Coachella YouTube Set Times: How to Watch Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G from Home For those unable to attend the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in person this weekend, the event will be streamed live on YouTube, offering a virtual experience of the iconic desert festival. The livestream, available at youtube.com/coachella, will feature performances across three dedicated channels—Coachella Stage, Outdoor Theatre, and Sahara—each broadcasting in 4K quality. The free event will run from Friday to Sunday, with set times meticulously scheduled to ensure fans can enjoy the lineup from the comfort of their homes. The festival’s headliners, including Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, and Karol G, will take the stage during the weekend’s peak hours, alongside a diverse array of artists spanning pop, rock, electronic, and indie genres. The livestream kicks off on Friday at 7 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time, with a curated schedule of performances designed to keep audiences engaged throughout the weekend. The festival’s Friday lineup begins with Teddy Swims performing from 8:30 to 9:20 p.m., followed by The xx at 10 to 10:55 p.m. Sabrina Carpenter, one of the weekend’s most anticipated acts, will take the stage from 12:05 to 1:35 a.m. The night continues with Anyma presenting ÆDEN from 3 to 4 a.m., while Dabeull performs at 7 to 7:50 p.m. Lykke Li and Dijon will follow at 8:20 to 9:10 p.m. and 9:40 to 10:30 p.m., respectively. Turnstile’s set runs from 11:05 to 12 a.m., and Disclosure will close the night with a performance from 1:35 to 2:50 a.m. Saturday’s schedule includes a bonus set from Do LaB at 2:55 to 3:55 a.m., followed by Youna and HUGEL at 7 to 8:50 p.m. Marlon Hoffstadt, KATSEYE, and Levity will perform at 9:15 to 10:15 p.m., 11 to 11:45 p.m.#youtube #justin_bieber #sabrina_carpenter #coachella_valley_music_and_arts_festival #karol_g
Mukesh Khanna Expresses Shock Over Samay Raina’s Announcement of India’s Got Latent 2 Comedian Samay Raina’s announcement of a second season for his controversial show India’s Got Latent has sparked a strong reaction from actor Mukesh Khanna, who has publicly criticized the decision. During his special Still Alive on April 7, Raina confirmed the return of the show, a move that has drawn widespread backlash for its explicit and offensive content. Khanna, who has been a vocal critic of the program, expressed disbelief and outrage, accusing the platform that hosts the show of enabling harmful material. Khanna’s comments, shared with Hindustan Times, highlight his frustration with the show’s creators and the platform that allows such content. “Nahi aane dena chahiye,” he said, emphasizing that the show should not be allowed to return. He questioned how YouTube, the platform hosting the show, could permit “ashleel” (obscene) content and “below the belt” jokes, which he described as crossing ethical boundaries. Khanna also criticized the audience for laughing at such material, asking, “Do these people not have their own conscience or values?” He argued that the show’s content, while presented as entertainment, lacks the boundaries of a joke and could harm individuals. The controversy surrounding India’s Got Latent has been ongoing since its debut. Khanna previously condemned the show for its vulgar humor and its perceived disrespect toward public figures. His latest remarks build on earlier criticisms, particularly regarding a remark Raina made about the superhero Shaktimaan, which Khanna dismissed as misguided. “Samjhaana usko hota hai jo samajhna chahta hai,” Khanna said, implying that Raina’s criticism of Shaktimaan is self-serving and lacks understanding of the cultural significance of the character.#hindustan_times #youtube #mukesh_khanna #samay_raina #india_s_got_latent
DLive Shuts Down After Eight Years, Leaving Creators in Uncertainty DLive, a livestreaming platform that sought to challenge giants like Twitch, YouTube, and Kick, officially shut down on April 7, 2026, marking the end of an eight-year experiment. The company confirmed it would cease operations permanently, leaving creators and users scrambling to adapt. At the time of shutdown, creators faced restrictions, including the inability to stream, earn money, or manage subscription services. The platform’s reliance on blockchain and cryptocurrency rewards, which had initially drawn attention, ultimately proved unsustainable as it struggled to compete with established platforms. DLive’s decline was attributed to several factors. Despite its innovative approach—rewarding both creators and viewers with cryptocurrency instead of traditional advertising—it failed to gain widespread adoption. Established platforms like Twitch and YouTube had already captured the majority of the market, leaving DLive with limited resources to scale. The platform’s user base dwindled further due to negative feedback, which highlighted issues such as poor user experience and a lack of engagement. By 2026, DLive’s inability to retain audiences and generate consistent revenue had become evident. The platform’s early success was partly fueled by its partnership with Felix “PewDiePie” Kjellberg, a prominent YouTuber whose involvement brought global attention to DLive. However, this momentum waned after BitTorrent Inc. acquired DLive in 2019. The acquisition aimed to expand the platform’s crypto-based features, but most users remained skeptical of the system. Regular users found the cryptocurrency model confusing and impractical, while creators struggled to grow their audiences compared to the larger, more established platforms.#youtube #twitch #d_live #felix_pewdiepie #bit_torrent_inc
YouTube Quietly Raises Price of YouTube Premium Subscription YouTube has quietly increased the price of its paid subscription service, YouTube Premium, without widely publicizing the change. The adjustment, which went unnoticed by many users, has sparked discussions on platforms like Reddit, where users reported discrepancies between the price displayed on desktop versus mobile devices. According to reports, individual plans now cost $15.99 per month (approximately 2,550 yen) or $159.99 per year (around 25,470 yen), while family plans have been raised to $26.99 per month (about 4,300 yen). The price hike was not reflected in online sources, leading some users to question whether the change was implemented discreetly. Reddit user Nicholas_I noted that the price increase was not communicated through email notifications or official channels. He observed that the price listed on desktop devices differed from the amount shown on iOS apps, raising suspicions about the timing and transparency of the adjustment. Another user reported discovering the change while checking a 3-month free trial offer, which remained unchanged but revealed a higher monthly rate. This discrepancy highlights the confusion surrounding the update, as some users in Canada reportedly did not see the price increase, suggesting regional variations in the rollout. The price adjustments have drawn attention to the broader context of YouTube’s subscription strategy. While the service has raised prices multiple times in the past, Japan has remained unaffected in certain instances. For example, in September 2024, YouTube Premium’s price in Japan was unchanged, with individual plans at 1,280 yen per month (12,800 yen annually) and family plans at 2,280 yen monthly. Students, however, still pay 780 yen monthly.#netflix #youtube #reddit #youtube_premium #nicholas_i
YouTube Raises Premium Prices in the US Without Public Announcement YouTube has quietly increased the cost of its Premium subscription plans in the United States, with the changes taking effect without any official announcement or public notice. The individual plan, which previously cost $13.99 per month, is now priced at $15.99. The family plan, which previously ranged from $22.99 to $26.99, has seen its monthly rate rise to $26.99. The annual plan, which was previously $139.99 for a year, has been adjusted to $159.99. Additionally, the Premium Lite plan, which previously cost $7.99 per month, now carries a price of $8.99. The updated pricing was confirmed by users who checked YouTube’s official website and Google’s search results for the Premium page. A separate thread on the r/youtube subreddit noted that users had already spotted the higher family plan price on desktop versions of the platform before receiving any email notifications about the change. This contrasts with YouTube’s previous price increase in July 2023, when the individual plan was raised from $11.99 to $13.99. At that time, the company provided advance notice and a spokesperson statement, which was documented by tech news outlet 9to5Google. The current price hike appears to be the first significant adjustment to YouTube Premium since the 2023 update. Prior to this change, publications such as Android Police had still been citing the $14 monthly rate for individual plans as of a few weeks ago. The new pricing is now live, with users reporting the updated rates on both the YouTube website and Google’s search results. The lack of public communication around this change has sparked speculation among users and analysts.#google #youtube #youtube_premium #premium_lite #r_youtube
YouTube Premium and Lite Pricing Shifts: A Strategic Move in the Streaming Market YouTube has announced significant changes to its subscription plans, with the Premium tier now priced at $13.99 per month and the newly introduced Lite plan available for $7.99 monthly. These adjustments, effective starting March 2026, reflect a strategic effort to cater to diverse user preferences while balancing the financial demands of content production and distribution. The decision has sparked discussions among consumers, creators, and industry analysts, as the two tiers offer distinct experiences tailored to different needs. The Premium plan, priced at $13.99, includes full ad-free access to YouTube content alongside YouTube Music Premium. This tier is designed for heavy users, creators, and music enthusiasts who require uninterrupted viewing, background playback, and offline downloads. Family plans under this tier have seen a price increase to $22.99 per month, allowing up to five household members to share accounts. Each user benefits from personalized recommendations and individual watch histories, making it ideal for those who rely on YouTube for both entertainment and creative inspiration. In contrast, the Lite plan, launched in March 2025, has been reduced to $7.99 monthly, positioning it as a more affordable option for casual viewers. While it excludes access to YouTube Music, it retains key features such as background playback and offline downloads, which were recently added to the Lite tier in February 2026. This pricing strategy aims to attract price-sensitive users who may have previously avoided subscriptions due to the higher cost of the Premium plan. By offering a stripped-down version of the service, YouTube hopes to expand its user base while maintaining revenue streams.#youtube #youtube_music #streaming_market #youtube_premium #youtube_lite
Amazon Faces Lawsuit Over Alleged Bypass of YouTube's Data Safeguards The lawsuit centers on allegations that Amazon improperly accessed YouTube’s protected data by employing virtual machines and rotating IP addresses to evade detection, effectively circumventing the platform’s measures against bulk downloading. Plaintiffs argue that these methods allowed Amazon to sidestep YouTube’s safeguards, enabling the company to collect vast amounts of data without proper authorization. Amazon has not commented on the allegations, leaving the matter unresolved. The case is part of a growing wave of legal challenges scrutinizing the boundaries of AI training practices. It joins a series of high-profile lawsuits brought by authors, artists, and news organizations against companies like OpenAI and Meta. These cases collectively grapple with a central legal question: where does the doctrine of fair use end and copyright infringement begin? The lawsuits highlight the tension between technological innovation and the rights of content creators, as companies seek to train AI systems on vast datasets while facing accusations of exploiting protected material. YouTube, owned by Google, has long maintained that its data protections are designed to prevent unauthorized access and ensure compliance with copyright laws. The plaintiffs in the Amazon case claim that the company’s actions undermine these safeguards, potentially setting a precedent for similar violations. The case could have significant implications for how tech firms navigate data collection practices and their obligations under intellectual property laws. The legal battle underscores the broader debate over the ethical and legal limits of AI development.#google #youtube #amazon #ai_training #copyright_infringement
Lorde hits the 1-billion mark: 5 takeaways from “Royals” joining YouTube’s top-viewed club The music video for Lorde’s “Royals” has surpassed one billion views on YouTube, marking a significant milestone in the song’s legacy. The achievement highlights the contrast between the song’s minimalist aesthetic and the typical grandeur associated with high-view count videos. While many videos with over a billion views rely on elaborate visuals or choreography, “Royals” thrives on its simplicity, emphasizing relatability and restraint. This endurance suggests that authenticity and a focus on raw emotion can resonate deeply with audiences, even in an era dominated by spectacle. “Royals” served as the lead single from Lorde’s debut album Pure Heroine, which launched her career with a powerful presence in the music industry. The track spent nine weeks at the top of the Billboard Hot 100, making Lorde the youngest artist to achieve a No. 1 single since Tiffany’s “I Think We’re Alone Now” in 1987. This feat underscored the song’s mainstream appeal and solidified Lorde’s role as a breakout star. The record’s success was not just a personal milestone for the artist but also a testament to the song’s ability to connect with a broad audience, bridging the gap between niche artistry and pop culture. From its inception, “Royals” was framed as a reflection of teenage life, capturing the complexities of adolescence with a candid and introspective lens. Lorde’s lyrics and visuals positioned the song as a commentary on identity, privilege, and the pressures of growing up. This thematic approach resonated with listeners, contributing to the track’s longevity and cultural impact.#youtube #royals #billboard_hot_100 #lorde #pure_heroine
Oscars Viewership Drops 9% Amid Declining Trends in Award Shows The 2024 Academy Awards attracted 17.9 million viewers on Sunday night, marking a 9 percent decline from the previous year’s broadcast, according to Nielsen. This represents the first drop in viewership for the Oscars since 2021 and follows similar declines for the Grammy Awards and Golden Globe Awards this year. The trend highlights a broader shift in audience engagement with major award shows, as all three events recorded lower ratings compared to previous years. The Oscars’ ratings have been on a four-year upward trajectory until this year, when the decline coincided with the broadcast of the World Baseball Classic. The semifinal game between the United States and the Dominican Republic, which aired on Fox Sports 1 and Fox Deportes, drew 7.4 million viewers—a significant number for cable networks. While the sports event may have diverted some attention, the decline in Oscar viewership is attributed to broader changes in media consumption habits and competition from streaming platforms. The telecast, hosted by Conan O’Brien, received mostly positive reviews, with “One Battle After Another” winning the best picture award and “Sinners” securing four Oscars, including Michael B. Jordan’s first best actor win. Despite the drop in viewership, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences does not face the same pressure as before. The organization’s long-standing partnership with ABC, which spans over half a century, will end after 2028. Beginning in 2029, the Oscars will stream exclusively on YouTube, reflecting a strategic shift toward digital platforms. Nielsen’s ratings data includes both live viewers on ABC and those who streamed the ceremony on Hulu.#world_baseball_classic #conan_obrien #youtube #academy_of_motion_picture_arts_and_sciences #grammys
Channel Surfer Site Brings the Classic TV Guide to YouTube A new website called Channel Surfer has emerged as a digital alternative to traditional cable TV guides, offering users a nostalgic browsing experience on YouTube. The platform, which features 40 dedicated channels, quickly gained traction, drawing 10,000 users on its first day of operation. Developed by Steven Irby, the site aims to replicate the familiar interface of old-school cable TV guides, allowing users to navigate content through categories like sports, news, and AI. The platform’s design mirrors the Electronic Program Guide found on DVRs and FAST TV services, displaying up to 24 hours of programming at a time. Unlike a physical DVR, however, Channel Surfer does not support recording content. Users can access the site via computer, mobile phone, or PC, with options to either tap a channel name to watch content directly or use arrow buttons to channel-surf through different categories. Irby, who shared his vision for the project, explained that he created the site to combat the frustrations of endless YouTube scrolling and algorithm-driven recommendations. “I miss channel surfing and not having to decide what to watch,” he said. “I want to just sit and tune in to what’s on and not think about what to watch next.” Despite its promising debut, the platform is still in its early stages. The number of available channels is limited to 40, and content is currently manually programmed, giving the site a somewhat unfinished feel. Some users have noted that pausing the site can cause content to restart at random, indicating room for improvement. While the service is not yet polished, its unique approach to organizing YouTube content has already sparked interest.#youtube #channel_surfer #steven_irby #dvr #fast_tv
Channel Surfer lets you watch YouTube like it’s old-school cable TV The app mimics the experience of channel surfing on traditional cable TV by allowing users to browse topic-specific channels and select content to watch as if tuning into a live broadcast. At launch, it features 40 custom-built channels, spanning categories like news, politics, sports, lifestyle, music, and tech-focused topics such as “AI & ML,” “Code & Dev,” “Space,” “Retro Tech,” “Tech & Gadgets,” and “Gaming.” A small counter at the bottom of the screen displays how many other users are currently watching YouTube alongside the user. Steven Irby, the app’s creator, explained that he developed Channel Surfer to escape the overwhelming nature of YouTube’s recommendation algorithm and the constant need to decide what to watch. “I miss channel surfing and not having to decide what to watch,” he said. “I want to just sit and tune into what’s on and not think about what to watch next.” Irby also noted that the app’s design mirrors his mother’s experience with cable TV, aiming to recreate that sense of passive entertainment. Additionally, he highlighted the comfort of knowing others are watching the same content. Irby, a 40-year-old tech veteran with a decade of global travel under his belt, described the project as part of his ongoing creative experiments. “I have so much creativity from my long, weird journey,” he said. “I can’t bear the thought of being a Jira ticket monkey anymore.” The app’s rapid success was evident in its first day, with over 10,000 views on its website, a milestone Irby called “blowing up overnight.” Technically, Channel Surfer is currently a static Next.js site hosted on Cloudflare, utilizing PartyKit for functionality.#youtube #channel_surfer #steven_irby #cloudflare #github_actions
Abbottabad Region set to face Lahore Region Blues in the Pakistan National T20 Cup 2026, with both teams aiming to secure crucial victories in Match 19. Abbottabad currently sits third in the points table with four points, having won two of their three matches. Their recent performance includes a loss to Sialkot Region, which ended their winning streak. The team will look to regain momentum under the leadership of captain Khalid Usman. Lahore Region Blues, on the other hand, are in a challenging position, having yet to secure a win in the tournament. Their last match saw a heavy 57-run defeat against Karachi Region, and they will need to adjust their strategy to achieve their first win. The match will take place at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium in Peshawar on March 16, 2026, starting at 04:45 PM IST. The game will be streamed live on PTV and YouTube, with real-time scores available on cricketwinner.com. Weather conditions are expected to be pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 12 to 13 degrees Celsius and partly sunny skies. Humidity levels are projected to be high at 93%, which could influence the playing conditions. The pitch at the Imran Khan Cricket Stadium is generally favorable for batsmen, though bowlers can expect early success if they maintain accuracy in line and length. Pace bowlers are likely to have an advantage in the initial stages, with a 60% chance of winning if the team bowls first. The average first innings score is 174, while the second innings averages 180. Winning the toss and opting to bowl first is considered the optimal strategy for the team. Recent form highlights the contrasting fortunes of the two teams. Abbottabad’s last five matches include a loss, two wins, a loss, and a win, while Lahore Region Blues have recorded two losses, two losses, a win, and a win.#imran_khan_cricket_stadium #youtube #lahore_region_blues #abbottabad_region #ptv
Ranveer Singh's Rolex Daytona Watch Spotted in Dhurandhar 2 Trailer Fans have noticed a high-end luxury watch in the trailer of the upcoming film Dhurandhar 2, sparking discussions about its significance. The movie, starring Ranveer Singh, is set to release on March 19, 2026, and has already generated significant anticipation. A few days prior to its release, the trailer was unveiled, showcasing glimpses of the story’s direction. Among the details that caught viewers’ attention was a brief appearance of a Rolex watch worn by Singh’s character. The watch, identified as a Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Oyster model (reference 126503), is crafted in Oystersteel and yellow gold. It measures 40 mm in diameter and is estimated to have a market value of approximately Rs 2.2 crore. While the watch appears only for a short moment in the trailer, its presence is notable, as it aligns with the narrative of the film. The scene in question features Singh’s character in a moment of emotional turmoil, and the watch is said to symbolize their transformation following the death of a key character, Rehman Dakait. The trailer has garnered over 56 million views on YouTube since its release, further fueling excitement for the film. Fans have taken to social media to highlight the watch’s inclusion, with many speculating about its role in the plot. The watch’s appearance has also sparked conversations about the character’s status and the film’s thematic elements. In addition to the trailer’s impact, the film’s advance bookings have seen remarkable growth. In the United States, the movie has already secured over $750,000 in premiere showings, with opening-day pre-sales surpassing $1 million.#ranveer_singh #youtube #dhurandhar_2 #rolex_daytona #rehman_dakait
YouTube expands deepfake detection tool to politicians and journalists YouTube is broadening its efforts to combat AI impersonation by introducing a deepfake detection tool to a select group of government officials, political candidates, and journalists. The move aims to safeguard the integrity of public discourse, according to Leslie Miller, vice president of government affairs and public policy at YouTube, who emphasized the heightened risks of AI impersonation for individuals in civic roles. The platform has been developing its likeness detection tool since 2024 in collaboration with Creative Artists Agency, initially testing it with top creators like MrBeast and Marques Brownlee. Last year, access was extended to all creators, with Amjad Hanif, vice president of creator products at YouTube, noting that most of the tool’s impact has been relatively benign or beneficial to creators’ businesses. YouTube CEO Neal Mohan highlighted AI transparency and protections as a top priority for 2026, including labeling AI-generated content and removing harmful synthetic media. The current tool focuses on facial likeness detection, but the company is also exploring voice impersonation. Additionally, YouTube is considering allowing creators to monetize their likeness in detected content, similar to its Content ID system. The expansion comes as tech companies increasingly prioritize safeguards against AI-driven impersonation. YouTube plans to eventually extend the tool to all government officials, political candidates, and journalists. Congress and the Trump administration have shown concern over deepfakes and AI impersonation. Last year, President Trump signed the TAKE IT DOWN Act, addressing nonconsensual intimate images, including deepfaked content.#youtube #no_fakes_act #leslie_miller #neal_mohan #take_it_down_act
Expanding Likeness Detection to Civic Leaders and Journalists YouTube is enhancing its tools to protect the identities of individuals central to public discourse, including government officials, journalists, and political candidates. The platform previously introduced likeness detection for creators in the YouTube Partner Program, a first-of-its-kind feature to manage AI-generated content. Now, the tool is being expanded to a pilot group of civic leaders and media professionals, aiming to address the risks posed by deepfakes and unauthorized AI impersonation. The likeness detection system operates similarly to Content ID but focuses on identifying a person’s likeness in AI-generated content. If a match is found—such as a deepfake of an individual’s face—the affected person can review the content and request its removal if it violates YouTube’s privacy guidelines. However, the tool does not guarantee removal, as YouTube prioritizes free expression and preserves content like parody or satire, even when critiquing public figures. The platform will continue to evaluate exceptions to its policies when removal requests are submitted. To ensure the tool is used responsibly, participants must verify their identity before enrolling in the likeness detection program. The data collected during setup is solely for identity verification and to support the safety feature, not for training Google’s generative AI models. YouTube emphasizes that technology alone is not sufficient to address the challenges of AI-generated content. The company is advocating for legal frameworks like the NO FAKES Act, which establishes a federal right of publicity and serves as a model for international adoption. This approach aims to ensure that technology complements, rather than replaces, human creativity and accountability.#deepfakes #google #youtube #no_fakes_act #ai_generated_content
YouTube Down for Thousands of Users, Downdetector Reports YouTube is experiencing widespread outages, with thousands of users reporting issues on Tuesday, according to Downdetector.com. As of 9:00 a.m. PT, the platform had over 2,000 reported problems, the service said. The outage was tracked by Downdetector, which aggregates reports from multiple sources to monitor service disruptions. An update at 9:19 a.m. showed the number of affected users had risen to more than 3,800, indicating the issue was growing in scale. While the exact cause of the outage remains unclear, the platform’s servers are likely experiencing technical difficulties or maintenance-related disruptions. Users attempting to access YouTube through web browsers or mobile apps encountered errors, with some unable to load videos or navigate the site. The outage comes amid heightened activity on the platform, which serves as a primary source for news, entertainment, and communication. Many users rely on YouTube for real-time updates, making the disruption particularly impactful. The company has not yet issued an official statement regarding the cause or expected resolution time for the issue. Downdetector, which has been tracking the outage, noted that similar incidents have occurred in the past, often linked to server maintenance, software updates, or regional technical glitches. However, the current scale of the problem suggests a more widespread issue affecting multiple regions. Users are advised to check official channels for updates, as the situation could evolve rapidly. The incident highlights the critical role YouTube plays in global connectivity and the potential ripple effects of even brief service interruptions.#users #platform #youtube #downdetector #servers
YouTube Outage: Service Restored After 2 Hours YouTube experienced a widespread service disruption on Tuesday evening, leaving users worldwide unable to access the platform for approximately two hours. The outage began around 5:30pm PT, with users reporting blank screens and error messages such as "Something Went Wrong" across all YouTube services, including YouTube Music, YouTube Kids, and YouTube TV. Social media platforms quickly filled with complaints from users in the United States, the United Kingdom, and other regions, highlighting the extensive reach of the issue. The incident underscored the critical role YouTube plays in both content creation and daily communication. Many users and creators faced interruptions during livestreams or mid-scroll sessions, serving as a stark reminder of how deeply integrated the platform has become in modern life. While the exact cause of the outage was not immediately disclosed, the disruption revealed the platform’s central role in connecting millions of people globally. The restoration of service after two hours marked a temporary resolution to the crisis, though the incident raised questions about the reliability of a service that remains a cornerstone of digital interaction.#united_states #youtube #youtube_music #youtube_kids #youtube_tv
CBSE Issues Clarification on YouTube QR Code in Maths Paper The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has clarified the use of QR codes on mathematics question papers, addressing concerns raised by students and educators. The board emphasized that the QR codes are part of its security measures to ensure the authenticity of examination materials and prevent unauthorized leaks. The codes were first introduced in 2019 as a tool to trace the origin of leaked papers and curb their spread. In a recent statement, CBSE highlighted that the QR codes serve as a verification mechanism. If there is suspicion of a security breach, the codes allow authorities to confirm the legitimacy of the question paper. This measure was further reinforced in the CBSE Board Exam 2025 rules, which mandated unique QR codes on all answer sheets to enhance accountability and transparency. The inclusion of QR codes has sparked debate, particularly after reports surfaced about a YouTube QR code linked to a mathematics paper. Some students claimed the code directed them to a video by Rick Astley, sparking a viral reaction on social media. However, CBSE reiterated that the codes are not tied to external content and are solely for internal verification purposes. The board’s decision reflects broader efforts to modernize examination security. While the QR code system has been praised for its role in deterring leaks, critics argue that it may not fully address systemic vulnerabilities. For instance, the 2025 exam rules also included provisions for unique identifiers on answer sheets, underscoring the board’s commitment to preventing fraud. Despite these measures, challenges persist. The CBSE has faced repeated allegations of leaks, with some students alleging that the QR codes were used to bypass security protocols.#youtube #qr_code_system #central_board_of_secondary_education #cbse_board_exam_2025 #rick_astley
Indonesia to ban social media and other online platforms for under 16s The Indonesian government announced plans to ban social media platforms and other online services for users under the age of 16, starting on 28 March. Communications and Digital Affairs Minister Meutya Hafid revealed that accounts for minors on high-risk platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live, and Roblox will be deactivated. Hafid emphasized that this move would make Indonesia the first non-Western country to delay children’s access to digital spaces based on age. The minister highlighted concerns about the risks children face online, including exposure to pornography, cyberbullying, online scams, and addiction. She stated that the government is intervening to reduce the burden on parents, who often struggle to monitor their children’s digital activities. Hafid argued that the ban aims to protect children from the “giants of algorithm-driven platforms” and ensure their safety in the digital world. Unicef reported in 2023 that approximately half of the 510 Indonesian children surveyed had encountered sexual content on social media. Parents like Amanda Kusumo, a 42-year-old working mother with a teenage son, welcomed the policy. She noted that government regulations provide relief for parents who lack the time to constantly supervise their children’s online behavior. Amanda expressed confidence that the ban would bring long-term benefits for both children and families. However, some young people, like Amanda’s 17-year-old son, Matt Joseph, expressed mixed opinions. While acknowledging the challenges of managing screen time, Matt argued that a complete ban on “risky” platforms might not be the most effective solution.#facebook #tiktok #youtube #indonesia #meutya_hafid
Nintendo Direct March 2026 Livestream: Final Trailer for 'The Super Mario Galaxy Movie' The Nintendo Direct livestream for March 2026 will focus on the final trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, marking the third and last preview of the film. While the event is expected to be less action-packed compared to previous Directs, fans will have the opportunity to watch the concluding trailer for the long-anticipated animated adaptation of the classic game. The livestream will take place on March 9, with specific start times varying by timezone: 2 p.m. Pacific Standard Time, 5 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, 9 p.m. Greenwich Mean Time, and 11 p.m. Central European Time. The event will stream on Nintendo’s official YouTube channel, offering a convenient way for viewers to access the content. Alternatively, the article itself will host the livestream, allowing readers to follow along without leaving the page. While the Direct does not promise new game announcements or major releases, it remains a significant moment for fans of the Super Mario franchise, as it brings the film closer to its release. The focus on the movie trailer highlights the continued interest in the Super Mario universe, which has been a cornerstone of Nintendo’s success for decades. Despite the lack of new game details, the livestream underscores the cultural impact of the franchise and its enduring popularity. Fans are encouraged to tune in for the final preview, which will provide a glimpse into the film’s visuals and narrative before its official debut. The event also serves as a reminder of the broader Nintendo Direct schedule, which has included announcements for other titles like Super Mario Bros. Wonder and the Mario + Rabbids bundle.#youtube #nintendo #super_mario_galaxy_movie #nintendo_direct #super_mario
