Ghana’s parliament passed a sweeping anti-LGBTQ+ bill in May 2026. The legislation imposes prison sentences of up to three years for identifying as LGBTQ+ or engaging in same-sex acts, and up to ten years for promoting, sponsoring, or advocating for LGBTQ+ rights. It also mandates a legal "duty to report" suspected individuals to the police.

Ghana considers harsher punishments for LGBTQ+ community 

The UK government is facing growing pressure to deport Shabir Ahmed, the convicted leader of the Rochdale grooming gang, after his release from prison. However, Pakistan has refused to accept his deportation, triggering a diplomatic dispute between the two countries and reigniting debate over Britain's handling of grooming gang offenders.

UK's immigration law shields Shabir Ahmed from deportation

The UK government is facing growing pressure to deport Shabbir Ahmed, the convicted leader of the Rochdale grooming gang, after his release from prison. However, Pakistan has refused to accept his deportation, triggering a diplomatic dispute between the two countries and reigniting debate over Britain's handling of grooming gang offenders.

UK govt faces pressure over 'grooming gang' leader's release 

Afghanistan's Taliban is facing intense criticism after reports emerged about a new decree outlining rules related to child marriage in Afghanistan. The reported regulations have raised alarm among rights groups and international observers, particularly over provisions concerning consent and the authority given to male guardians. Critics warn the move could further erode women’s and girls’ rights under Taliban rule, while concerns continue to grow about education, freedom, and legal protections for Afghan women and children.


Taliban's Controversial Law Legalises Child Marriage in Afghanistan

Nepal is preparing major amendments to its adolescent criminal laws, including a proposed “Romeo and Juliet” clause aimed at easing penalties for consensual teenage relationships. The reform would reportedly introduce a three-year age-gap exemption to better distinguish consensual relationships from sexual exploitation. 


Nepal Plans Major Legal Reform on Consensual Teenage Relationships

Taliban's New Law: Virgin Girl's Silence Counts As Consent 

Salim Dola has been deported to India after his arrest in Turkey, marking a significant development in international law enforcement cooperation. Authorities say the deportation follows coordinated efforts between security agencies to bring back individuals linked to organised crime networks operating across borders.


Salim Dola Caught After Years on the Run

Australian Senator Pauline Hanson has caused a major uproar in Parliament after a controversial burqa stunt. The stunt sparked nationwide debate over political decorum, cultural sensitivity, and freedom of expression. Lawmakers and citizens reacted strongly, with discussions on media, social platforms, and political circles highlighting the incident’s implications for Australia’s parliamentary standards and public discourse.

Australian Senator Pauline Hanson Causes Uproar In Parliament 

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce three major bills in the Lok Sabha to allow the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers if arrested on serious criminal charges. The proposed laws target those in custody for 30+ days on offenses punishable with 5+ years in jail.

India: Amit Shah to table 3 key bills for removal of PMs, CMs on criminal charges

Mexico City lawmakers have passed a historic bill banning the killing of bulls in bullfights. With a 61-1 vote, the law prohibits the use of sharp objects, allowing only "bullfighting without violence." The decision has sparked both celebration and outrage, reshaping a centuries-old tradition.

Mexico city bans traditional bullfights for violence-free option

Pakistan government on Thursday (Jan 23) introduced a new law to regulate social media, sparking concerns that it will stifle free speech and undermine democratic freedoms.&nbsp;
The law, passed by the country's lower house of parliament, gives the government sweeping powers to block online content, fine or ban social media platforms, and even imprison users for spreading disinformation.
As per the law, social media companies need to register with a government-controlled authority, and gives officials the power to immediately block content deemed "unlawful and offensive," such as criticism of judges, the military, or the government itself.&nbsp;
Individuals and organisations posting such content can also be blocked from platforms.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/algorithm-sucks-musk-says-he-will-lose-his-mind-over-nazi-salute-posts-on-his-x-feed-8648774">&lsquo;Algorithm sucks,&rsquo; Musk says he will &lsquo;lose his mind&rsquo; over &lsquo;Nazi salute&rsquo; posts on his X feed</a>
<h2 dir="ltr">3-year prison term and fine for spreading 'disinformation'</h2>
Anyone who spreads &ldquo;disinformation&rdquo;, will be fined 2 million Pakistani rupees ($7,150) and punished by up to three years in prison.
Human rights activists, including Farhatullah Babar, are sounding the alarm over Pakistan's new law, warning that it severely curtails freedom of expression and hands excessive power to the executive branch.
<h2 dir="ltr">Opposition and media organisations criticise move</h2>
The PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) leaders have criticised the legislation of this law. The leader of the opposition Omar Ayub Khan, said that the bill could "lay a foundation for the suppression of voices advocating for constitutional rights."
On Thursday, the PTI said it was ending talks with the government ahead of a Jan. 28 deadline to meet with Khan. The announcement by Gohar Ali Khan, chairman of the PTI party, came weeks after he began talks with the government to secure the release of the former prime minister and discuss other demands.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/brain-ageing-could-be-fault-of-mothers-x-chromosome-study-suggests-8648977">Brain ageing could be fault of Mother&rsquo;s X chromosome, study suggests</a>
Journalists and media organisations have also condemned Pakistan's proposed social media law, expressing deep concerns about its implications. The Federal Union of Journalists president, Afzal Butt, called the law an attempt to "suppress the media, social media and journalists."
However, the government claimed that the law is necessary to combat the spread of misinformation and hate speech. Critics on the other hand argue it will be used to silence dissent and control public discourse.
This move comes at a time when press freedom in Pakistan is already under increasing pressure. Journalists report facing state pressure, and many media outlets have been instructed to avoid mentioning Imran Khan by name.
(With inputs from agencies)
&nbsp;

World: Pakistan's new social media law, introduced in January, raises concerns about potential impacts on free speech and democratic principles, sparking public debate.

Pakistan government on Thursday (Jan 23) introduced a new law to regulate social media, sparking concerns that it will stifle free speech and undermine democratic freedoms. The law, passed by the country's lower house of parliament, gives the government sweeping powers to block online content, fine or ban social media platforms, and even imprison users for spreading disinformation. As per the law, social media companies need to register with a government-controlled authority, and gives officials the power to immediately block content deemed "unlawful and offensive," such as criticism of judges, the military, or the government itself. Individuals and organisations posting such content can also be blocked from platforms. Also read | ‘Algorithm sucks,’ Musk says he will ‘lose his mind’ over ‘Nazi salute’ posts on his X feed 3-year prison term and fine for spreading 'disinformation' Anyone who spreads “disinformation”, will be fined 2 million Pakistani rupees ($7,150) and punished by up to three years in prison. Human rights activists, including Farhatullah Babar, are sounding the alarm over Pakistan's new law, warning that it severely curtails freedom of expression and hands excessive power to the executive branch. Opposition and media organisations criticise move The PTI (Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf) leaders have criticised the legislation of this law. The leader of the opposition Omar Ayub Khan, said that the bill could "lay a foundation for the suppression of voices advocating for constitutional rights." On Thursday, the PTI said it was ending talks with the government ahead of a Jan. 28 deadline to meet with Khan. The announcement by Gohar Ali Khan, chairman of the PTI party, came weeks after he began talks with the government to secure the release of the former prime minister and discuss other demands. Also read | Brain ageing could be fault of Mother’s X chromosome, study suggests Journalists and media organisations have also condemned Pakistan's proposed social media law, expressing deep concerns about its implications. The Federal Union of Journalists president, Afzal Butt, called the law an attempt to "suppress the media, social media and journalists." However, the government claimed that the law is necessary to combat the spread of misinformation and hate speech. Critics on the other hand argue it will be used to silence dissent and control public discourse. This move comes at a time when press freedom in Pakistan is already under increasing pressure. Journalists report facing state pressure, and many media outlets have been instructed to avoid mentioning Imran Khan by name. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan government cracks down on social media, introduces law to block platforms, imprison users for spreading 'disinformation’

The search engine giant Google has been slapped with a fine of $2.5 decillion – an amount which involves 36 zeroes – by a Russian court for allegedly blocking pro-Kremlin propaganda on its video streaming platform YouTube.

The fine is equal to $2.5 trillion trillion trillion and it has grown enormously because of the accumulation of fines in the last four years. The figure continues to double every week as per Russian law.

In 2020, the United States-based tech giant was originally penalised 100,000 rubles ($1,029.35) after it lost lawsuits filed by media outlets Tsargrad and RIA FAN challenging the restrictions on their YouTube channels.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/google-hit-with-rs-26172-crore-fine-after-15-year-legal-battle-with-uk-couple-771607">Google hit with Rs 26,172 crore fine after 15-year legal battle with UK couple</a>

<h2>How did Google accumulate the huge fine?</h2>

The massive fine was first reported by state-run news site RBC on Tuesday (Oct 29) and it said that Google had banned other media outlets in 2022 because they supported the invasion of Ukraine by Russia which resulted in more fines.

Last year, Google reported revenue of $306 billion and placed a restriction on the creation of new accounts for Russian people last month. The company also deactivated AdSense accounts present in Russia in August.

Since March 2022, online ads have not been shown to Google users in Russia as part of broader sanctions against the country.

Because of the restrictions, Russian authorities seized the bank accounts of Google and forced the Russian subsidiary of the US firm to file for bankruptcy.&nbsp;

However, Google's free services, which include YouTube and Search, have been operating in Russia.

In the latest quarterly results published on Tuesday evening, Google acknowledged facing legal issues in Russia.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-court-okays-lawsuits-accusing-meta-google-of-deploying-addiction-tactics-on-teens-770729">US court okays lawsuits accusing Meta, Google of deploying addiction tactics on teens</a>

“We have ongoing legal matters relating to Russia,” said the company, in&nbsp;the report.&nbsp;

“For example, civil judgments that include compounding penalties have been imposed upon us in connection with disputes regarding the termination of accounts, including those of sanctioned parties. We do not believe these ongoing legal matters will have a material adverse effect,” it added.

"Google was called by a Russian court to administrative liability under Art. 13.41 of the Administrative Offenses Code for removing channels on the YouTube platform. The court ordered the company to restore these channels," said lawyer Ivan Morozov, while speaking to state-run media&nbsp;TASS.

The fine did not seem to have any impact on Google parent company&nbsp;Alphabet as its shares rose by more than five&nbsp;per cent in after-market trading on Tuesday (Oct 29).

(With inputs from agencies)

The search engine giant Google has been slapped with a fine of $2.5 decillion – an amount which involves 36 zeroes – by a Russian court for allegedly blocking pro-Kremlin propaganda on its video streaming platform YouTube.

The search engine giant Google has been slapped with a fine of $2.5 decillion – an amount which involves 36 zeroes – by a Russian court for allegedly blocking pro-Kremlin propaganda on its video streaming platform YouTube. The fine is equal to $2.5 trillion trillion trillion and it has grown enormously because of the accumulation of fines in the last four years. The figure continues to double every week as per Russian law. In 2020, the United States-based tech giant was originally penalised 100,000 rubles ($1,029.35) after it lost lawsuits filed by media outlets Tsargrad and RIA FAN challenging the restrictions on their YouTube channels. Also Read: Google hit with Rs 26,172 crore fine after 15-year legal battle with UK couple How did Google accumulate the huge fine? The massive fine was first reported by state-run news site RBC on Tuesday (Oct 29) and it said that Google had banned other media outlets in 2022 because they supported the invasion of Ukraine by Russia which resulted in more fines. Last year, Google reported revenue of $306 billion and placed a restriction on the creation of new accounts for Russian people last month. The company also deactivated AdSense accounts present in Russia in August. Since March 2022, online ads have not been shown to Google users in Russia as part of broader sanctions against the country. Because of the restrictions, Russian authorities seized the bank accounts of Google and forced the Russian subsidiary of the US firm to file for bankruptcy. However, Google's free services, which include YouTube and Search, have been operating in Russia. In the latest quarterly results published on Tuesday evening, Google acknowledged facing legal issues in Russia. Also Read: US court okays lawsuits accusing Meta, Google of deploying addiction tactics on teens “We have ongoing legal matters relating to Russia,” said the company, in the report. “For example, civil judgments that include compounding penalties have been imposed upon us in connection with disputes regarding the termination of accounts, including those of sanctioned parties. We do not believe these ongoing legal matters will have a material adverse effect,” it added. "Google was called by a Russian court to administrative liability under Art. 13.41 of the Administrative Offenses Code for removing channels on the YouTube platform. The court ordered the company to restore these channels," said lawyer Ivan Morozov, while speaking to state-run media TASS. The fine did not seem to have any impact on Google parent company Alphabet as its shares rose by more than five per cent in after-market trading on Tuesday (Oct 29). (With inputs from agencies)

Russia imposes a monstrous fine on Google exceeding total global GDP

DY Chandrachud officially named Justice Sanjiv Khanna as his successor on Thursday (Oct 18). Khanna is the second-most senior judge of the Supreme Court of India. CJI Chandrachud nominated Khanna in a letter written to the Union Law Minister.

CJI Chandrachud Proposes Justice Sanjiv Khanna As Successor

#gravitas | The adoption of husband’s last name has been a major political issue over the past three decades in Japan. There is divulging views among the contenders to replace the outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, elections of which will take place on Friday. Japan is the only country that compels women to take their husband’s last name by law. Watch in for more details!

Gravitas: Law In Japan Compels Women To Adopt Husband's Last Name

More than 30,000 protesters gather in Seoul demanding more government action on climate change. In temperatures exceeding 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius), protesters young and old marched in the country's biggest demonstration so far this year.

South Koreans fight against global warming in Seoul

The court said South Korea's carbon neutrality act, enacted in 2010 and revised later to lay out emissions targets by 2030 and the goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, failed to present "any quantitative levels" for the reduction targets between 2031 and 2049.

South Korean court asked Climate Change law to be revised by end of Feb 2026

Poland’s parliament has approved controversial proposals to decriminalise in certain circumstances the use of firearms by border guards in self-defence. NGOs say the legal changes contravene human rights standards, but the government says they are needed to protect Poland’s border with Belarus from increasingly aggressive gangs of migrants.

Poland's new firearms bill raises concern

All 11 water and wastewater companies in England and Wales are now under scrutiny over sewage spills, after the regulator said it was expanding its investigation. UK government will introduce new water bill to control sewage spills in Parliament in September. Watch in for more details!

UK's new water bill to control sewage spills

In an affidavit submitted to the Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday (July 10), the central government stated that there was no "mass malpractice" in the 2024 NEET-UG examination.

In an affidavit submitted to the Indian Supreme Court on Wednesday (July 10), the central government stated that there was no "mass malpractice" in the 2024 NEET-UG examination. The Centre claims that an analysis of the data carried out by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras shows no proof of widespread misconduct or any kind of unfair advantage for a certain set of candidates, which may lead to unusual scores. Counselling will begin in four rounds in the third week of July, the government said. It added that any applicant who is discovered to have benefitted from malpractice will have their candidacy terminated at any time during or after the counselling process. #BREAKING Centre files affidavit in the #SupremeCourt denying any "mass malpractice" in the NEET-UG 24 exam. Centre says the data anayltics done by experts at IIT Madras showed no abnormality in the exam.#NEETUG24 #SupremeCourt pic.twitter.com/y6fpXG52Ls — Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) July 10, 2024 × "The marks distribution follows the bell-shaped curve that is witnessed in any large-scale examination indicating no abnormality," the IIT Madras report said. "City-wise and center-wise analysis was done for 2 years (2023 and 2024) to find out if there are any abnormal indications. The Analysis is carried out for the Top 1.4 lakh ranks given that the total number of seats across the country is around 1.1 lakhs," it added. "The analysis shows that there is neither any indication of mass malpractice nor a localised set of candidates being benefitted leading to abnormal scores," the report said. Also read: Pune trainee IAS, who used siren on private car, claimed visual, mental disability; later dodged medical exams "There is an overall increase in the marks obtained by students, specifically in the range of 550 to 720. This increase is seen across the cities and centres. This is attributed to a 25% reduction in syllabus. In addition, candidates obtaining such high marks are spread across multiple cities and multiple centres, indicating very less likelihood of malpractice," it further added. On Monday (Jul 8), the Supreme Court reviewed multiple petitions concerning the contentious NEET-UG 2024 medical entrance exam. The petitions included allegations of paper leakage and other malpractices during the May 5 test, with calls for the exam to be conducted anew. The apex court had requested reports from the NTA and the Centre detailing the steps taken as well as any potential ideas on using data analytics in the cyber forensics unit or any other government-employed unit to find suspect cases. (With inputs from agencies)

India: No 'mass malpractice' in 2024 NEET-UG exam, government tells Supreme Court

Japan's Yamagata prefecture has introduced a new rule requiring citizens to laugh at least once daily. A study from Yamagata University found that people who laugh more are less susceptible to heart attacks.

Gravitas | Japan’s Yamagata passes rule urging people to laugh daily

The local government in Japan’s Yamagata prefecture has just passed an ordinance calling on residents to laugh at least once every day to promote better physical and mental health, although the new law has gone down like a bad joke in some quarters.

Japan: Legislative Assembly in Yamagata passes new laughter law

Former Dutch intelligence chief and political outsider Dick Schoof said on Tuesday he will uphold the rule of law and govern for all after being proposed as prime minister of the incoming right-wing cabinet.

Meet 'smiling killer' ex-spy chief Dick Schoof turned Dutch Prime Minister

Japan's Parliament agreed to change a decades-old law after which divorced couples will be allowed to have joint custody of their children from 2026. In Japan, custody was traditionally granted to a single parent who then completely cut off access of the other parent to their children.

Japan's Parliament agreed to change a decades-old law after which divorced couples will be allowed to have joint custody of their children from 2026. In Japan, custody was traditionally granted to a single parent who then completely cut off access of the other parent to their children. Till Friday (May 17), Japan was the only G7 country which had not legally recognised the concept of joint custody. Also Read: Another fallout of Japan's ageing population - Akiya houses - and it's not looking good In Japan, most separations happen through "consent divorce" in which both parties sign a paper and decide to end a marriage mutually. The lawyers in such scenarios say that the couple is free to make decisions over custody and visitation arrangements. However, if the two parties go to court, the custody is awarded to one parent. The divorced parents have criticised the system and claimed that they have been estranged from their children due to the judgement. Japan's mothers granted child's custody, fathers lacked access to children The one parent who was generally given the legal custody of a child in Japan was the mother, once the marriage ended. Some people saw this rule as a safeguard against child abuse and domestic violence. However, many have raised concerns that it can lead to the breaking of meaningful contact between the child and their other parent. The change has been brought amid increasing pressure over the frustrations of non-custodial parents, like fathers, who do not have access to children. In 2019, a UN committee recommended that Japan "allow for shared custody of children when it is in the child's best interests, including for foreign parents". Watch: Gravitas | Japan's new relationship trend: Friendship marriage explained As per the new bill, sole custody can be maintained if both parents decide that it is the best option or when it is a case of domestic violence or child abuse. In joint custody, one parent will be able to make decisions without holding consultation with others on issues like health or schooling in "emergency circumstances". There are no official tallies which reflect the number of minors who are not connected to one of their parent in Japan, even though campaigns have been held both for and against the changes. As per a 2022 survey which was done by a support group for single mothers, it was discovered that 80 per cent of single parents in Japan were not in support of joint custody. "Even in cases of domestic violence, failure to prove it in court due to insufficient evidence can lead to joint custody being established," said campaigners against the move, in January. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan changes decades-old law to allow joint custody to divorced couples

European lawmakers on Wednesday (April 10) approved a revamped migration system that the pro-EU political centre promises would reduce irregular arrivals as it seeks to stem gains by the far right ahead of the bloc's parliamentary election in June.

EU parliament passes migration legislation

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