India's telecoms regulator ruled Monday that service providers must charge the same price for all content, dealing a crushing blow to "Free Basics," a Facebook initiative that had come under withering criticism from tech activists. "Free Basics," formerly known as Internet.org, offered limited Internet access to consumers who cannot afford a broadband connection or smartphone data plan.

In a setback for Facebook, Indian regulators have banned free mobile data programs that favor some Internet services over others. The regulations, issued Monday after months of intense public debate over how to extend the Internet to India’s poorest citizens, effectively block Facebook’s controversial Free Basics program in India. 

Ever wondered which world leader is most followed on Facebook, or Twitter? Should we care? Well, it would seem that the explosion of social media in the last few years and its ability to reach previously inaccessible audiences has not escaped the attention of government leaders.

Diplomat Devyani Khobragade [...] will later this month undertake a cross-country run in her home state of Maharashtra aimed at promoting women education and empowerment. [...] According to the foreign ministry, the run is a one-of-a-kind public diplomacy initiative intended to promote India-Australia relations.

India Day will showcase academic achievements by Indian students, professors and those studying the country. Just four days after Republic Day, the second half of the event will commemorate the 67th anniversary of the new constitution. [...] during India Day, cultural performances by Bal Sabha Group will be showcased. The organization also plans to honor both Indian and American culture by playing the respective national anthems.

Pat Farmer is an acclaimed ultra long-distance endurance runner from Australia. […] Now 53, Pat is getting ready for a run across India, from Kanyakumari in the south to Kashmir in the north. His run will symbolically begin on January 26, coinciding with Australia Day and India’s Republic Day.  […] He is collaborating with a leading charity to raise money for the education of young girls.