US President Joe Biden on Saturday signed a bipartisan gun safety bill. This bill comes after decades of inaction on gun control and includes tougher checks for buyers under 21.

US President Biden signs first gun control law after decades of inaction

After the US Supreme Court overturned Roe vs Wade, making abortion illegal in most US states, people from across the world are criticising it. Several celebrities including Taylor Swift, Mark Ruffalo reacted to the ruling.

Abortion ruling stirs Hollywood: American Taliban has taken over SC, says Ruffalo

US senators unveiled a bipartisan bill on Tuesday and took an initial step towards country's first major gun-control legislation in decades. The proposal has backing of 10 Republican senators.

US senators unveil 80-page bipartisan bill on gun safety

In the United States, Anti-abortion and abortion-rights protesters have gathered in front of the Supreme Court as the court is set to give a verdict on abortion laws.

Roe v Wade: US Supreme court verdict on abortion laws awaited

Key senators announced a new gun law outline in the United States. 20 Bipartisan senators have announced the new proposals. New agreement aimed to curb gun violence and provide funding for mental health.

US: Group of senators agree on new gun law outline

The abortion rights fight in the United States has gone bigger now. Oklahoma has approved an anti-abortion bill that prohibits abortion completely.

US abortion rights fight gets bigger as Oklahoma approves anti-abortion bill

Red states in the United States could ban abortion training in medical schools. Watch this report to know all the details.

Stigma around abortion training: Abortion off medical courses in the US?

Experts urge caution in online activity in the US as data could be used to enforce anti-abortion laws. The digital footprints can be tracked by authorities.

Experts urge caution in online activity: How data could be used to enforce anti-abortion laws?

<p>Pakistan PM Imran Khan has made headlines again. This time for the wrong reasons. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>After looking to bring amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act&nbsp;(PECA), 2016 and the Election Act, 2017 recently, his government has attracted criticism from various corners of the country. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz hit out at the government on Sunday over the attempt by saying that they are meant to silence the media and the Opposition. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trade-with-india-need-of-the-hour-will-benefit-both-nations-says-pak-pms-adviser-on-commerce-454966">Trade with India need of the hour, will benefit both nations: Pak PM’s adviser</a></strong></p>

<p>In Urdu, Nawaz said on Twitter that the laws, which the PTI-led government is passing, will be used against the PM and company in future. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"However, these laws will ultimately be used against Imran and company. Don't say that you hadn't been warned," she said. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Not just this, Pakistan media bodies have also rejected the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). It has said that it is a move to undermine the freedom of the press, speech and defiant voices in the country, reported local media. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-to-visit-russia-on-february-23-24-454905" hreflang="en">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Russia on February 23-24</a></strong></p>

<p>The media Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has rejected the draconian amendments to the PECA, reported News International. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All media bodies would take any and all legal actions to challenge the attempt to curb media's independence and its right to raise voice against any steps to curb freedom of expression as guaranteed in the Constitution," the newspaper reported quoting JAC statement, which was issued on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Pakistan PM Imran Khan has made headlines again. This time for the wrong reasons. After looking to bring amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016 and the Election Act, 2017 recently, his government has attracted criticism from various corners of the country.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan has made headlines again. This time for the wrong reasons. After looking to bring amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA), 2016 and the Election Act, 2017 recently, his government has attracted criticism from various corners of the country. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz hit out at the government on Sunday over the attempt by saying that they are meant to silence the media and the Opposition. Also Read: Trade with India need of the hour, will benefit both nations: Pak PM’s adviser In Urdu, Nawaz said on Twitter that the laws, which the PTI-led government is passing, will be used against the PM and company in future. "However, these laws will ultimately be used against Imran and company. Don't say that you hadn't been warned," she said. Not just this, Pakistan media bodies have also rejected the amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA). It has said that it is a move to undermine the freedom of the press, speech and defiant voices in the country, reported local media. Also Read: Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Russia on February 23-24 The media Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), Council of Pakistan Newspaper Editors (CPNE), Pakistan Broadcasters Association (PBA) and Association of Electronic Media Editors and News Directors (AEMEND) has rejected the draconian amendments to the PECA, reported News International. "All media bodies would take any and all legal actions to challenge the attempt to curb media's independence and its right to raise voice against any steps to curb freedom of expression as guaranteed in the Constitution," the newspaper reported quoting JAC statement, which was issued on Sunday. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan PM Imran Khan faces flak over new laws 'to silence media, Opposition'

<p>A new year is upon us, and 2022 means not only the arrival of year three of the coronavirus pandemic (yikes), but also the implementation of hundreds of new laws in California.</p>

<p>There are far too many to list, so today I’m highlighting six important changes that went into effect January&nbsp;1.</p>

<p><strong>Food-delivery app tips</strong></p>

<p>This new law prohibits food-delivery apps, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, from keeping any portion of gratuity meant for restaurant workers. The rule also requires that the companies itemize customers’ bills and disclose all added fees.</p>

<p>The measure is an effort to increase billing transparency and regulate the growing app-based food-delivery industry.</p>

<p><strong>Permanent mail-in ballots</strong></p>

<p>All California voters will receive mail-in ballots for future elections, regardless of whether they signed up for absentee voting.</p>

<p>Californians have already gotten a taste of universal mail-in voting during the pandemic, but the official change makes California the eighth state in the nation with such a law.</p>

<p><strong>Minimum wage bump</strong></p>

<p>As of Jan. 1, businesses with more than 25 employees must pay their employees at least $15 an hour, while smaller businesses must offer at least $14 hourly.</p>

<p>The raises are the latest consequence of a landmark law that pushed the state’s minimum wage to the highest in the nation. It’s important to note, however, that cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco already required employers to pay at least $15 an hour.</p>

<p><strong>Mandatory composting</strong></p>

<p>Californians are now required to toss excess food waste into green waste bins, rather than the trash, as the state embarks on the largest mandatory composting effort in the nation.</p>

<p>The law requires that local governments provide organic recycling collection to all residents and businesses. The effort is intended to keep landfills clear of food scraps, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions.</p>

<p><strong>Publishing arrest photos</strong></p>

<p>Law enforcement agencies are now prohibited from posting on social media the mug shots of most people arrested and accused of nonviolent crimes.</p>

<p>Supporters of the new rules say that publishing such photos on Twitter and Facebook can irreparably harm the lives of people who have not yet been proven guilty.</p>

<p><strong>“Spousal rape” elimination</strong></p>

<p>This law eliminated the section on spousal rape in the California penal code to ensure that people convicted of raping their spouses face the same punishments as other rapists.</p>

<p>Groups that advocated for the change said that state law had previously allowed more lenient treatment of people who raped their spouses, and that many such perpetrators had not been not required to register as sex offenders.</p>


A new year is upon us, and 2022 means not only the arrival of year three of the coronavirus pandemic (yikes), but also the implementation of hundreds of new laws in California.

A new year is upon us, and 2022 means not only the arrival of year three of the coronavirus pandemic (yikes), but also the implementation of hundreds of new laws in California. There are far too many to list, so today I’m highlighting six important changes that went into effect January 1. Food-delivery app tips This new law prohibits food-delivery apps, such as DoorDash and Uber Eats, from keeping any portion of gratuity meant for restaurant workers. The rule also requires that the companies itemize customers’ bills and disclose all added fees. The measure is an effort to increase billing transparency and regulate the growing app-based food-delivery industry. Permanent mail-in ballots All California voters will receive mail-in ballots for future elections, regardless of whether they signed up for absentee voting. Californians have already gotten a taste of universal mail-in voting during the pandemic, but the official change makes California the eighth state in the nation with such a law. Minimum wage bump As of Jan. 1, businesses with more than 25 employees must pay their employees at least $15 an hour, while smaller businesses must offer at least $14 hourly. The raises are the latest consequence of a landmark law that pushed the state’s minimum wage to the highest in the nation. It’s important to note, however, that cities such as Los Angeles and San Francisco already required employers to pay at least $15 an hour. Mandatory composting Californians are now required to toss excess food waste into green waste bins, rather than the trash, as the state embarks on the largest mandatory composting effort in the nation. The law requires that local governments provide organic recycling collection to all residents and businesses. The effort is intended to keep landfills clear of food scraps, which contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Publishing arrest photos Law enforcement agencies are now prohibited from posting on social media the mug shots of most people arrested and accused of nonviolent crimes. Supporters of the new rules say that publishing such photos on Twitter and Facebook can irreparably harm the lives of people who have not yet been proven guilty. “Spousal rape” elimination This law eliminated the section on spousal rape in the California penal code to ensure that people convicted of raping their spouses face the same punishments as other rapists. Groups that advocated for the change said that state law had previously allowed more lenient treatment of people who raped their spouses, and that many such perpetrators had not been not required to register as sex offenders.

6 new California laws you should know about

For the United States of America, the first day of 2022 brought in some major legal changes. There were restrictions that have been imposed on abortion, minimum wage increase, and also police reforms. These are just a part of a series of new laws that have come into effect across the US.

The first day of 2022 brought in some major legal changes for the United States of America

In a bid to attract tourism and foreign investments, UAE goes liberal as it relaxes various laws and allows pre-marital sex.

UAE liberalizes laws: To not censor explicit content, allow pre-marital sex & relaxes alcohol laws

<p>In an address to the nation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the government has decided to repeal the three controversial farm laws. The leader appealed to the farmers to return home and stop protesting.</p>

<p>There have been different reactions in response to the repealing of laws.</p>

<p>The Bharatiya Kisan Union's (BKU) Ugrahan faction welcomed PM Modi's announcement to repeal the three farm laws. Joginder Singh Ugrahan, the leader of BKU's Ugrahan faction told PTI, "It is a good move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Gurupurab."</p>

<p>Bollywood actor Sonu Sood appreciated the decision. Taking to Twitter, he deemed it as a "wonderful news."<br />
"Hope you will happily return to be with your families on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji today," the actor wrote.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">काले कृषि कानूनों पर मेरी प्रेस वार्ता। <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%9C%E0%A5%80%E0%A4%A4%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8_%E0%A4%B9%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%B0%E0%A4%BE_%E0%A4%85%E0%A4%AD%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%AE%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#जीता_किसान_हारा_अभिमान</a> <a href="https://t.co/8S6iKphUEY">https://t.co/8S6iKphUEY</a></p>
— Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/priyankagandhi/status/1461619552282808325?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">देश के अन्नदाता ने सत्याग्रह से अहंकार का सर झुका दिया।<br />
अन्याय के खिलाफ़ ये जीत मुबारक हो!<br />
<br />
जय हिंद, जय हिंद का किसान!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FarmersProtest?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FarmersProtest</a> <a href="https://t.co/enrWm6f3Sq">https://t.co/enrWm6f3Sq</a></p>
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/RahulGandhi/status/1461550273185255424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-pm-modi-repeals-three-controversial-farm-laws-asks-protesting-farmers-to-return-home-430403"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Indian PM Modi repeals three controversial farm laws, asks protesting farmers to return home</strong></a></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">This is a wonderful news!<br />
Thank you,<a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji, <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a>, for taking back the farm laws. Thank you, farmers, for raising just demands through peaceful protests. Hope you will happily return to be with your families on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji today.</p>
— sonu sood (@SonuSood) <a href="https://twitter.com/SonuSood/status/1461559914011131908?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>On the other hand, the CPI(M) said that PM Modi should apologise for the trouble caused by his "dictatorial step." CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, in a tweet, said, "The quest for justice for those targeted by the government and its agencies through false cases will continue."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The quest for justice for those targeted by the government and its agencies through false cases will continue.<br />
The PM must apologise for the hardship and trouble caused by his dictatorial step of farm laws to benefit his crony business partners. <a href="https://t.co/5tFOWuX6hp">https://t.co/5tFOWuX6hp</a></p>
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) <a href="https://twitter.com/SitaramYechury/status/1461563734501904384?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Modi expresses no remorse over the deaths of our annadatas due to his year long obduracy.<br />
Modi continues to justify these black laws even now!<br />
Refuses to learn from this historic, spirited, inspiring and brave struggle. <a href="https://t.co/wAZjuVlBZi">https://t.co/wAZjuVlBZi</a></p>
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) <a href="https://twitter.com/SitaramYechury/status/1461568130312933376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati said that the move came very late. She further demanded framing a law to assure support price for farmers' produce.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin welcomed the decision.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">I wholeheartedly welcome Hon'ble <a href="https://twitter.com/PMOIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@PMOIndia</a>'s decision to repeal the three anti-farmer laws.<br />
<br />
History teaches us that people's wishes shall prevail in a democracy.<br />
<br />
I congratulate all the farmers &amp; bow down to their determination for having achieved this through Gandhian means.</p>
— M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) <a href="https://twitter.com/mkstalin/status/1461569448372965376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>Actor Urmila Matondkar also appreciated the decision. On her twitter handle, she shared an image of farmers with an important message.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="hi">जीत के ख़ातिर जुनून चाहिए,<br />
जिसमे उबाल हो ऐसा खून चाहिए,<br />
ये आसमान भी आएगा जमीन पर,<br />
बस इरादों मे जीत की गूँज चाहिए।<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8%E0%A4%86%E0%A4%82%E0%A4%A6%E0%A5%8B%E0%A4%B2%E0%A4%A8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#किसानआंदोलन</a> जिंदाबाद ✊✊<br />
किसान बहन-भाईओं को मुबारक<br />
शहीद किसानोंको नमन 🙏💐 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%E0%A4%9C%E0%A4%AF%E0%A4%95%E0%A4%BF%E0%A4%B8%E0%A4%BE%E0%A4%A8?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#जयकिसान</a> हमेशा हमेशा 🇮🇳 🇮🇳 <a href="https://t.co/5vT3uuVtSC">pic.twitter.com/5vT3uuVtSC</a></p>
— Urmila Matondkar (@UrmilaMatondkar) <a href="https://twitter.com/UrmilaMatondkar/status/1461557845808140288?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>


In an address to the nation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the government has decided to repeal the three controversial farm laws. The leader appealed to the farmers to return home and stop protesting.

In an address to the nation, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced that the government has decided to repeal the three controversial farm laws. The leader appealed to the farmers to return home and stop protesting. There have been different reactions in response to the repealing of laws. The Bharatiya Kisan Union's (BKU) Ugrahan faction welcomed PM Modi's announcement to repeal the three farm laws. Joginder Singh Ugrahan, the leader of BKU's Ugrahan faction told PTI, "It is a good move by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Gurupurab." Bollywood actor Sonu Sood appreciated the decision. Taking to Twitter, he deemed it as a "wonderful news." "Hope you will happily return to be with your families on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji today," the actor wrote. काले कृषि कानूनों पर मेरी प्रेस वार्ता। #जीता_किसान_हारा_अभिमान https://t.co/8S6iKphUEY — Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (@priyankagandhi) November 19, 2021 × देश के अन्नदाता ने सत्याग्रह से अहंकार का सर झुका दिया। अन्याय के खिलाफ़ ये जीत मुबारक हो! जय हिंद, जय हिंद का किसान!#FarmersProtest https://t.co/enrWm6f3Sq — Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) November 19, 2021 × Also read | Indian PM Modi repeals three controversial farm laws, asks protesting farmers to return home This is a wonderful news! Thank you,@narendramodi ji, @PMOIndia, for taking back the farm laws. Thank you, farmers, for raising just demands through peaceful protests. Hope you will happily return to be with your families on the Parkash Purab of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji today. — sonu sood (@SonuSood) November 19, 2021 × On the other hand, the CPI(M) said that PM Modi should apologise for the trouble caused by his "dictatorial step." CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, in a tweet, said, "The quest for justice for those targeted by the government and its agencies through false cases will continue." The quest for justice for those targeted by the government and its agencies through false cases will continue. The PM must apologise for the hardship and trouble caused by his dictatorial step of farm laws to benefit his crony business partners. https://t.co/5tFOWuX6hp — Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) November 19, 2021 × Modi expresses no remorse over the deaths of our annadatas due to his year long obduracy. Modi continues to justify these black laws even now! Refuses to learn from this historic, spirited, inspiring and brave struggle. https://t.co/wAZjuVlBZi — Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) November 19, 2021 × Bahujan Samajwadi Party (BSP) chief Mayawati said that the move came very late. She further demanded framing a law to assure support price for farmers' produce. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president MK Stalin welcomed the decision. I wholeheartedly welcome Hon'ble @PMOIndia's decision to repeal the three anti-farmer laws. History teaches us that people's wishes shall prevail in a democracy. I congratulate all the farmers & bow down to their determination for having achieved this through Gandhian means. — M.K.Stalin (@mkstalin) November 19, 2021 × Actor Urmila Matondkar also appreciated the decision. On her twitter handle, she shared an image of farmers with an important message. जीत के ख़ातिर जुनून चाहिए, जिसमे उबाल हो ऐसा खून चाहिए, ये आसमान भी आएगा जमीन पर, बस इरादों मे जीत की गूँज चाहिए।#किसानआंदोलन जिंदाबाद ✊✊ किसान बहन-भाईओं को मुबारक शहीद किसानोंको नमन 🙏💐 #जयकिसान हमेशा हमेशा 🇮🇳 🇮🇳 pic.twitter.com/5vT3uuVtSC — Urmila Matondkar (@UrmilaMatondkar) November 19, 2021 ×

India reacts to PM Modi's decision to repeal three controversial farm laws

In an unprecedented move by the UAE, non-Muslims in Abu Dhabi will now be allowed to marry divorce and get joint child custody under civil law.

Abu Dhabi announces family law reforms; non-Muslims allowed to marry, divorce under civil law

<p>Sri Lanka's new president suspended parliament for a month from Tuesday ahead of snap elections he wants to call in March to consolidate his sweeping victory.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/sri-lanka-president-gotabaya-rajapaksa-arrives-in-india-265098">Gotabaya Rajapaksa</a>, elected president last month in a landslide, issued a proclamation overnight proroguing the legislature and said a new session will begin from January 3.</p>

<p>Rajapaksa, 70, is hoping to ride a wave of popularity by calling an election&nbsp;six months before the current parliament's five-year term expires in August.</p>

<p>He has already ordered major tax cuts in a bid to boost an economy still struggling after deadly Easter Sunday suicide bombings that crippled the country's booming tourism sector.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: WION Edit - Can the Rajapaksas unite Sri Lanka?</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-edit-can-the-rajapaksas-unite-sri-lanka-265806/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>A 15-per cent value-added tax was cut to eight per cent, while another two-per cent goods and services tax was abolished from this month.</p>

<p>The construction industry,&nbsp;which has slumped hard this year, also saw its corporate tax burden cut from 28 to 14 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The official announcement of calling a fresh session of the legislature will give the minority government of Rajapaksa more control over parliamentary oversight committees.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sri-lankan-court-drops-charges-against-new-president-263910">Rajapaksa</a> is the younger brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, president from 2005-15 when Gotabaya effectively ran the security forces.</p>

<p>Together they spearheaded the end of Sri Lanka's civil war with Tamil separatists in 2009 when an estimated 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed by the military.</p>


Sri Lanka's new president suspended parliament for a month from Tuesday ahead of snap elections he wants to call in March to consolidate his sweeping victory. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected president last month in a landslide, issued a proclamation overnight proroguing the legislature and said a new session will begin from January 3.

Sri Lanka's new president suspended parliament for a month from Tuesday ahead of snap elections he wants to call in March to consolidate his sweeping victory. Gotabaya Rajapaksa, elected president last month in a landslide, issued a proclamation overnight proroguing the legislature and said a new session will begin from January 3. Rajapaksa, 70, is hoping to ride a wave of popularity by calling an election six months before the current parliament's five-year term expires in August. He has already ordered major tax cuts in a bid to boost an economy still struggling after deadly Easter Sunday suicide bombings that crippled the country's booming tourism sector. Watch: WION Edit - Can the Rajapaksas unite Sri Lanka? A 15-per cent value-added tax was cut to eight per cent, while another two-per cent goods and services tax was abolished from this month. The construction industry, which has slumped hard this year, also saw its corporate tax burden cut from 28 to 14 per cent. The official announcement of calling a fresh session of the legislature will give the minority government of Rajapaksa more control over parliamentary oversight committees. Rajapaksa is the younger brother of Mahinda Rajapaksa, president from 2005-15 when Gotabaya effectively ran the security forces. Together they spearheaded the end of Sri Lanka's civil war with Tamil separatists in 2009 when an estimated 40,000 Tamil civilians were killed by the military.

Sri Lanka: President Rajapaksa suspends parliament overnight ahead of snap elections

<p>Russia's communication watchdog said on Monday it was opening administrative proceedings against <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/entertainment/when-pm-modi-indulged-in-some-twitter-conversations-with-bollywood-stars-191728&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwjjo9b_4f7fAhUJLo8KHS75Aq4QFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw20c9deQJ6kS9ZuF2KJy51K">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-backs-election-integrity-ai-initiatives-in-germany-191671&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=0ahUKEwiz8vHs4f7fAhWLQo8KHaCTAfwQFggFMAA&amp;client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;usg=AOvVaw0z8aw3lk2sxdq9BlsmfZpJ">Facebook</a> for failing to explain how they plan to comply with local data laws, the Interfax news agency reported.</p>

<p>Roskomnadzor, the watchdog, was quoted as saying that Twitter and Facebook had not explained how and when they would comply with legislation that requires all servers used to store Russians' personal data to be located in Russia.</p>

<p>The agency's head, Alexander Zharov, was quoted as saying the companies have a month to provide information or else action would be taken against them.</p>

<p>Russia has introduced tougher internet laws in the last five years, requiring search engines to delete some search results, messaging services to share encryption keys with security services and social networks to store Russian users' personal data on servers within the country.</p>

<p>At the moment, the only tools Russia has to enforce its data rules are fines that typically only come to a few thousand dollars or blocking the offending online services, which is an option fraught with technical difficulties.</p>

<p>However, sources in November told Reuters that Moscow plans to impose stiffer fines on technology firms that fail to comply with Russian laws.</p>


Russia's communication watchdog said on Monday it was opening administrative proceedings against Twitter and Facebook for failing to explain how they plan to comply with local data laws, the Interfax news agency reported.

Russia's communication watchdog said on Monday it was opening administrative proceedings against Twitter and Facebook for failing to explain how they plan to comply with local data laws, the Interfax news agency reported. Roskomnadzor, the watchdog, was quoted as saying that Twitter and Facebook had not explained how and when they would comply with legislation that requires all servers used to store Russians' personal data to be located in Russia. The agency's head, Alexander Zharov, was quoted as saying the companies have a month to provide information or else action would be taken against them. Russia has introduced tougher internet laws in the last five years, requiring search engines to delete some search results, messaging services to share encryption keys with security services and social networks to store Russian users' personal data on servers within the country. At the moment, the only tools Russia has to enforce its data rules are fines that typically only come to a few thousand dollars or blocking the offending online services, which is an option fraught with technical difficulties. However, sources in November told Reuters that Moscow plans to impose stiffer fines on technology firms that fail to comply with Russian laws.

Russia opens civil cases against Facebook, Twitter: Report

<p>United States President Donald Trump defended the Border Patrol agents of the country for allowing the immigrants within the US territory while blaming the US policies including 'Catch and Release' and DACA for illegal immigration.</p>

<p>Trump took to his Twitter account on Sunday to say, "Border Patrol Agents are not allowed to properly do their job at the Border because of ridiculous liberal (Democrat) laws like Catch & Release. Getting more dangerous. "Caravans" coming. Republicans must go to Nuclear Option to pass tough laws NOW. NO MORE DACA DEAL!" he tweeted.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Border Patrol Agents are not allowed to properly do their job at the Border because of ridiculous liberal (Democrat) laws like Catch & Release. Getting more dangerous. “Caravans” coming. Republicans must go to Nuclear Option to pass tough laws NOW. NO MORE DACA DEAL!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/980443810529533952?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>The Catch and Release is a term used by the US immigration enforcement agencies including the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and US Customs and Border Protection for a protocol as part of which people caught as illegal immigrants in the country are released while they are waiting for a hearing with an immigration judge.</p>

<p>As per reports the Catch and Release policy officially ended in 2006 under President George W. Bush and United States Department of Homeland Security though certain critics had mentioned that it is still followed as part of various US policies.</p>

<p>He further spoke against the infamous Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) deal according to which those who enter the US illegally as minors and remained there without any legal permission receive a renewable two-year period after which they shall face deportation to their native countries.</p>

<p>While terming the immigrants as 'caravans' Trump warned to use the Nuclear option as part of which the US Senate is allowed to override a rule in spite of no majority vote.</p>

<p>The nuclear option shall allow Trump to pass tougher laws with a simple majority instead of 60 votes.</p>

<p>As per the DACA, the immigrants are also entitled to a work permit within the US.</p>

<p>Further Trump blamed Mexico which shares a border with the United States to allow the immigrants in the country while pointing at DACA to be the cause of such activities.</p>

<p>He also threatened to revoke North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which provides financial aid to Canada and Mexico via the US in retaliation to movement of the migrants across its border.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Mexico is doing very little, if not NOTHING, at stopping people from flowing into Mexico through their Southern Border, and then into the U.S. They laugh at our dumb immigration laws. They must stop the big drug and people flows, or I will stop their cash cow, NAFTA. NEED WALL!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/980451155548491777?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Mexico is doing very little, if not NOTHING, at stopping people from flowing into Mexico through their Southern Border, and then into the U.S., They laugh at our dumb immigration laws. They must stop the big drug and people flow, or I will stop their cash cow, NAFTA. NEED WALL!. These big flows of people are all trying to take advantage of DACA. They want in on the act!" he said in a series of tweet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">These big flows of people are all trying to take advantage of DACA. They want in on the act!</p>
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/980451798606602241?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier President Trump had vowed that he would keep pushing for the funding of an 'anti-migration' border wall along the US-Mexico border.</p>


Trump took to his Twitter account on Sunday to say, "Border Patrol Agents are not allowed to properly do their job at the Border because of ridiculous liberal (Democrat) laws like Catch & Release

United States President Donald Trump defended the Border Patrol agents of the country for allowing the immigrants within the US territory while blaming the US policies including 'Catch and Release' and DACA for illegal immigration. Trump took to his Twitter account on Sunday to say, "Border Patrol Agents are not allowed to properly do their job at the Border because of ridiculous liberal (Democrat) laws like Catch & Release. Getting more dangerous. "Caravans" coming. Republicans must go to Nuclear Option to pass tough laws NOW. NO MORE DACA DEAL!" he tweeted. Border Patrol Agents are not allowed to properly do their job at the Border because of ridiculous liberal (Democrat) laws like Catch & Release. Getting more dangerous. “Caravans” coming. Republicans must go to Nuclear Option to pass tough laws NOW. NO MORE DACA DEAL! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 1, 2018 × The Catch and Release is a term used by the US immigration enforcement agencies including the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement and US Customs and Border Protection for a protocol as part of which people caught as illegal immigrants in the country are released while they are waiting for a hearing with an immigration judge. As per reports the Catch and Release policy officially ended in 2006 under President George W. Bush and United States Department of Homeland Security though certain critics had mentioned that it is still followed as part of various US policies. He further spoke against the infamous Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) deal according to which those who enter the US illegally as minors and remained there without any legal permission receive a renewable two-year period after which they shall face deportation to their native countries. While terming the immigrants as 'caravans' Trump warned to use the Nuclear option as part of which the US Senate is allowed to override a rule in spite of no majority vote. The nuclear option shall allow Trump to pass tougher laws with a simple majority instead of 60 votes. As per the DACA, the immigrants are also entitled to a work permit within the US. Further Trump blamed Mexico which shares a border with the United States to allow the immigrants in the country while pointing at DACA to be the cause of such activities. He also threatened to revoke North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which provides financial aid to Canada and Mexico via the US in retaliation to movement of the migrants across its border. Mexico is doing very little, if not NOTHING, at stopping people from flowing into Mexico through their Southern Border, and then into the U.S. They laugh at our dumb immigration laws. They must stop the big drug and people flows, or I will stop their cash cow, NAFTA. NEED WALL! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 1, 2018 × "Mexico is doing very little, if not NOTHING, at stopping people from flowing into Mexico through their Southern Border, and then into the U.S., They laugh at our dumb immigration laws. They must stop the big drug and people flow, or I will stop their cash cow, NAFTA. NEED WALL!. These big flows of people are all trying to take advantage of DACA. They want in on the act!" he said in a series of tweet. These big flows of people are all trying to take advantage of DACA. They want in on the act! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) April 1, 2018 × Earlier President Trump had vowed that he would keep pushing for the funding of an 'anti-migration' border wall along the US-Mexico border.

Trump says 'ridiculous' laws making border patrol more dangerous

<p>Foreign interference in Australian politics has become a &quot;serious problem&quot;, a top official said Monday, with tougher laws on espionage and overseas donations to be introduced to parliament.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull ordered an inquiry in June after media revelations that the nation&#39;s spy agency had warned the country&#39;s political elite two years ago about taking donations from two billionaires with links to the Chinese Communist Party.</p>

<p>The probe, by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Fairfax Media, said that despite being cautioned, both the Liberals and Labor continued accepting substantial sums of cash.</p>

<p>It said intelligence agencies had major concerns that China was interfering in Australian institutions and using the political donations system to gain access. Beijing denied the allegations as &quot;totally groundless&quot;.</p>

<p>Since then concern over foreign interference has gathered momentum, heightened by ongoing revelations of Russian meddling in the American political system.</p>

<p>&quot;The issue of foreign interference in our politics is an extremely serious problem,&quot; Attorney-General George Brandis told parliament on Monday.</p>

<p>&quot;So I can tell the Senate that later this week, the government will introduce a milestone legislative package to reform Australia&#39;s espionage and foreign interference legislation.&quot;</p>

<p>He said the new laws would strengthen and modernise a range of offences &quot;for the purposes of investigating, disrupting and prosecuting acts of espionage and covert interference in the Australian political process&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There would be a new transparency scheme, providing &quot;visibility of the nature and extent of influence over Australia&#39;s government and political processes by foreign interests&quot;.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;It will introduce new offences targeting foreign interference and economic espionage, including offences that criminalise covert and deceptive activities that support the intelligence activities of foreign actors,&quot; he added.</p>

<p>A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said in response on Monday that Beijing &quot;always stays committed to following the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs&quot; of other countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>&quot;At the same time we urge the relevant people on the Australian side to abandon prejudices,&quot; Geng Shuang told a regular press briefing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, a key Australian Labor MP, Sam Dastyari, was forced to resign as deputy opposition whip after reports that he told a Chinese businessman his phone was likely being tapped by intelligence agencies.</p>

<p>The man, Huang Xiangmo, is a prominent Chinese political donor.</p>


A probe said intelligence agencies had major concerns that China was interfering in Australian institutions and using the political donations system to gain access

Foreign interference in Australian politics has become a "serious problem", a top official said Monday, with tougher laws on espionage and overseas donations to be introduced to parliament. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull ordered an inquiry in June after media revelations that the nation's spy agency had warned the country's political elite two years ago about taking donations from two billionaires with links to the Chinese Communist Party. The probe, by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and Fairfax Media, said that despite being cautioned, both the Liberals and Labor continued accepting substantial sums of cash. It said intelligence agencies had major concerns that China was interfering in Australian institutions and using the political donations system to gain access. Beijing denied the allegations as "totally groundless". Since then concern over foreign interference has gathered momentum, heightened by ongoing revelations of Russian meddling in the American political system. "The issue of foreign interference in our politics is an extremely serious problem," Attorney-General George Brandis told parliament on Monday. "So I can tell the Senate that later this week, the government will introduce a milestone legislative package to reform Australia's espionage and foreign interference legislation." He said the new laws would strengthen and modernise a range of offences "for the purposes of investigating, disrupting and prosecuting acts of espionage and covert interference in the Australian political process". There would be a new transparency scheme, providing "visibility of the nature and extent of influence over Australia's government and political processes by foreign interests". "It will introduce new offences targeting foreign interference and economic espionage, including offences that criminalise covert and deceptive activities that support the intelligence activities of foreign actors," he added. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesman said in response on Monday that Beijing "always stays committed to following the principle of mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in the internal affairs" of other countries. "At the same time we urge the relevant people on the Australian side to abandon prejudices," Geng Shuang told a regular press briefing. Last week, a key Australian Labor MP, Sam Dastyari, was forced to resign as deputy opposition whip after reports that he told a Chinese businessman his phone was likely being tapped by intelligence agencies. The man, Huang Xiangmo, is a prominent Chinese political donor.

New Australia laws to deal with foreign political meddling

Brazil&#39;s suspended president Dilma Rousseff could still wriggle out of a looming impeachment vote, her ally and predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said today.<br />
<br />
Lula, Brazil&#39;s most prominent leftist leader, told Radio Jornal that Rousseff&#39;s case is not hopeless, despite months of mounting pressure on her to be removed from office.<br />
<br />
Previous votes in the lower and upper houses easily passed the simple majorities needed to send her to trial for allegedly breaking budgetary laws - a case she claims is a coup d&#39;etat.<br />
<br />
However, when the Senate votes again in a final session on August 25-27, it must reach a two-thirds majority and the result is expected to be far closer.<br />
<br />
&quot;To defeat the impeachment is easier than before,&quot; said Lula, who was president from 2003-2010 and founded the Workers&#39; Party, which has been in power for 13 years.<br />
<br />
Lula said Rousseff, 68, needs to secure support from a handful of extra senators to swing the vote. &quot;Dilma depends on only six votes,&quot; he told the radio station from northeastern Pernambuco state.<br />
<br />
The Senate must vote by 54 votes out of 81 for the impeachment to pass. In that case, Rousseff foe Michel Temer, who is currently serving as interim president, would stay as president until the next scheduled elections in 2018.<br />
<br />
If the vote fails, Rousseff would return to office. However, she is seen as badly weakened, with rock bottom popularity in a country that blames her for a deep recession, massive corruption and months of political instability.<br />
<br />
Temer and Rousseff are both invited to the opening ceremony of the Olympics, which start in Rio on August 5.<br />
<br />
(AFP)

The Senate must pass 54 votes out of 81 for Dilma Rousseff's impeachment to pass. If the vote fails, she could return to office

Brazil's suspended president Dilma Rousseff could still wriggle out of a looming impeachment vote, her ally and predecessor Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said today. Lula, Brazil's most prominent leftist leader, told Radio Jornal that Rousseff's case is not hopeless, despite months of mounting pressure on her to be removed from office. Previous votes in the lower and upper houses easily passed the simple majorities needed to send her to trial for allegedly breaking budgetary laws - a case she claims is a coup d'etat. However, when the Senate votes again in a final session on August 25-27, it must reach a two-thirds majority and the result is expected to be far closer. "To defeat the impeachment is easier than before," said Lula, who was president from 2003-2010 and founded the Workers' Party, which has been in power for 13 years. Lula said Rousseff, 68, needs to secure support from a handful of extra senators to swing the vote. "Dilma depends on only six votes," he told the radio station from northeastern Pernambuco state. The Senate must vote by 54 votes out of 81 for the impeachment to pass. In that case, Rousseff foe Michel Temer, who is currently serving as interim president, would stay as president until the next scheduled elections in 2018. If the vote fails, Rousseff would return to office. However, she is seen as badly weakened, with rock bottom popularity in a country that blames her for a deep recession, massive corruption and months of political instability. Temer and Rousseff are both invited to the opening ceremony of the Olympics, which start in Rio on August 5. (AFP)

Brazil's suspended president tries to slip impeachment

Myanmar delegates will face some tough questions tomorrow at a key UN convention in Geneva regarding a controversial legislation which has attracted international criticism for discriminating on the basis of gender and religion.<br />
<br />
The four laws, which includes giving authorities the right to restrict the number of childbirths a women can have, may stand in violation of the convention on eradicating discrimination against women (CEDAW) which Myanmar joined in 1997, as well as for being anti-Islam.<br />
<br />
Introduced last year, this law was backed by nationalist monks and passed by the military-backed government of then-President U Thein Sein.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
However, the current government may not redress the matter. Although Daw Aung San Suu Kyi&rsquo;s NLD government has submitted a written clarification that the laws do not go breach UN&rsquo;s CEDAW policies, local newspaper The Myanmar Times quoted U Soe Kyi, the director general of the department of social welfare that the government had &ldquo;no plan&rdquo; to repeal the laws.<br />
<br />
Women&#39;s rights groups have been protesting against this law, but have found it difficult to influence the government to change it.<br />
<br />
International rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, has raised an alarm about the legislation curtailing religious and gender freedom, specially the birth control policy which is seen as a direct action against the displaced Muslim population in Rakhine State, known as Rohingya.<br />
<br />
In the past two weeks, there has been a spike in violence against Muslims in Myanmar including incidents of Buddhist mobs ransacking two mosques in separate towns. Buddhist dominated security force has been criticised for not actively pursuing the matter.<br />
<br />
(Agencies)

The four laws, which include childbirth restrictions, breach the convention against women discrimination, which Myanmar joined in 1997

Myanmar delegates will face some tough questions tomorrow at a key UN convention in Geneva regarding a controversial legislation which has attracted international criticism for discriminating on the basis of gender and religion. The four laws, which includes giving authorities the right to restrict the number of childbirths a women can have, may stand in violation of the convention on eradicating discrimination against women (CEDAW) which Myanmar joined in 1997, as well as for being anti-Islam. Introduced last year, this law was backed by nationalist monks and passed by the military-backed government of then-President U Thein Sein. However, the current government may not redress the matter. Although Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s NLD government has submitted a written clarification that the laws do not go breach UN’s CEDAW policies, local newspaper The Myanmar Times quoted U Soe Kyi, the director general of the department of social welfare that the government had “no plan” to repeal the laws. Women's rights groups have been protesting against this law, but have found it difficult to influence the government to change it. International rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, has raised an alarm about the legislation curtailing religious and gender freedom, specially the birth control policy which is seen as a direct action against the displaced Muslim population in Rakhine State, known as Rohingya. In the past two weeks, there has been a spike in violence against Muslims in Myanmar including incidents of Buddhist mobs ransacking two mosques in separate towns. Buddhist dominated security force has been criticised for not actively pursuing the matter. (Agencies)

UN panel to question Myanmar's anti-women, anti-Islam legislation at Geneva meet

A Luxembourg court today handed out suspended sentences to the two former accounting firm employees who leaked data about Luxembourg&#39;s tax deals with large corporations, which gained prominence in the so-called &quot;LuxLeaks&quot; affair.<br />
<br />
Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet, both French citizens and former employees of accounting firm PwC, received suspended sentences of 12 and nine months respectively.<br />
<br />
Deltour also received a fine of 1,500 euros ($1,665) while Halet was fined 1,000 euros. Both said they would appeal.<br />
<br />
French television journalist Edouard Perrin, who used the leaked data for a broadcast made in 2012, was acquitted of all charges.<br />
<br />
The case was seen as a delicate balancing act for the judge between upholding Luxembourg&#39;s strict secrecy laws and protecting whistleblowers.<br />
<br />
One of Deltour&#39;s lawyers William Bourdon called the verdict &quot;scandalous&quot;. The message of Luxembourg&#39;s justice system was for multinationals to &quot;sleep tight&quot;, he said.<br />
<br />
Outside of the court, Deltour was greeted by singing supporters.<br />
<br />
Over the course of the trial the court heard how Deltour had copied 45,000 pages of documents to which he gained access through a glitch in the company&#39;s servers, which had since been fixed.<br />
<br />
Prosecutors say this data and material supplied by Halet was used in the &#39;LuxLeaks&#39; revelations of November 2014 by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.<br />
<br />
The prosecutor had requested 18-month prison sentences and fines, far less than the five-year maximum for the charges that range from violating secrecy laws to theft and IT fraud.<br />
<br />
For Perrin the prosecutor had sought a fine, without specifying how high it should be.<br />
<br />
The leaked documents showed that companies such as PepsiCo, AIG and Deutsche Bank secured deals from Luxembourg to slash their tax bills.<br />
<br />
Luxembourg, a small country wedged in between France, Belgium and Germany, says other states have similar arrangements, and has offered to share details of the tax deals.<br />
<br />
(Reuters)

Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet received suspended jail sentences for sharing data about Luxembourg slashing taxes for big corporations

A Luxembourg court today handed out suspended sentences to the two former accounting firm employees who leaked data about Luxembourg's tax deals with large corporations, which gained prominence in the so-called "LuxLeaks" affair. Antoine Deltour and Raphael Halet, both French citizens and former employees of accounting firm PwC, received suspended sentences of 12 and nine months respectively. Deltour also received a fine of 1,500 euros ($1,665) while Halet was fined 1,000 euros. Both said they would appeal. French television journalist Edouard Perrin, who used the leaked data for a broadcast made in 2012, was acquitted of all charges. The case was seen as a delicate balancing act for the judge between upholding Luxembourg's strict secrecy laws and protecting whistleblowers. One of Deltour's lawyers William Bourdon called the verdict "scandalous". The message of Luxembourg's justice system was for multinationals to "sleep tight", he said. Outside of the court, Deltour was greeted by singing supporters. Over the course of the trial the court heard how Deltour had copied 45,000 pages of documents to which he gained access through a glitch in the company's servers, which had since been fixed. Prosecutors say this data and material supplied by Halet was used in the 'LuxLeaks' revelations of November 2014 by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists. The prosecutor had requested 18-month prison sentences and fines, far less than the five-year maximum for the charges that range from violating secrecy laws to theft and IT fraud. For Perrin the prosecutor had sought a fine, without specifying how high it should be. The leaked documents showed that companies such as PepsiCo, AIG and Deutsche Bank secured deals from Luxembourg to slash their tax bills. Luxembourg, a small country wedged in between France, Belgium and Germany, says other states have similar arrangements, and has offered to share details of the tax deals. (Reuters)

'LuxLeaks' whistleblowers given suspended prison sentences

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