Strong earthquake hits western Japan but no risk of tsunami
Tokyo (AP): A strong earthquake hit western Japan on Tuesday, but there was no danger of a tsunami and no major damage or life-threatening injuries were reported.
The quake, with a preliminary magnitude of 6.2, occurred in Shimane prefecture in northwestern Japan, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The agency later upgraded the quake to magnitude 6.4.
The prefectural capital of Matsue and nearby cities, including some in the neighbouring Tottori prefecture, were among the most strongly shaken.
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The epicentre was located inland at a depth of about 10 kilometres (6.2 miles), the agency said, adding there was no risk of a tsunami.
JMA officials, however, cautioned residents in the region against the possibility of subsequent powerful quakes for about a week.
Local fire departments received several reports of minor injuries, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. Shinkansen bullet trains were temporarily suspended or delayed in the region.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority said no abnormalities were found at the Shimame nuclear power plant and a related facility in the region.
Japan is on the so-called Pacific Ring of Fire, which is one of the world's most earthquake-prone areas.
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Bengaluru: Karnataka mulls ban social media for children below 16, says Priyank Kharge
Bengaluru: The Karnataka government is considering a ban on the use of social media for children below the age of 16, taking inspiration from steps taken by countries such as Australia and Finland, The New Indian Express reported.
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayat Raj and IT-BT, Priyank Kharge, informed the Assembly on Friday that the issue is under discussion. Responding to senior BJP leader and MLA S Suresh Kumar, who expressed concern over the abuse of social media, Kharge admitted that it is a serious issue.
Finland has taken action, the UK is considering similar steps, and Australia imposed a ban two months ago. “We too in the state have launched a digital detoxification programme for responsible use of AI and social media. The IT-BT department, in collaboration with Meta, has been running it by involving over three lakh children and one lakh teachers,” TNIE quoted him as saying.
Kharge said that in March 2025, the government launched the ‘Beyond Screens’ programme to help people dealing with digital addiction. The initiative was announced during the GAFX 2025 summit, along with the opening of a ‘Beyond Screens’ digital detox centre and the launch of an official website.
The detox centre serves as a dedicated hub for resources, counselling and intervention programmes for healthier digital habits.
During the Assembly session, Suresh Kumar also referred to the Economic Survey 2025-26, which was presented in the Lok Sabha on Thursday. The survey recommended that governments consider age-based restrictions on social media use for children.
