The Monsoon Session of Parliament witnessed another heated confrontation as the government and the opposition clashed over the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill.

The proposed legislation aims to strengthen India's anti-paper leak law through stricter punishments, faster investigations, and expedited trials. However, the opposition argued that tougher laws alone cannot restore confidence in the examination system without fixing administrative failures.

Parliament Erupts Over Anti-Paper Leak Bill | Opposition Targets Government on Student Protests

Hong Kong public schools are now required to raise the Chinese flag and sing China's national anthem, according to a new law.

The law's purpose is to foster a sense of Chinese identity among students, but the practice has been described by experts as 'dangerous' and 'ineffective'.&nbsp;

A government statement cited by American international broadcaster Voice of America (VOA) said the aim of the policy is to promote national education and help students develop a sense of belonging to the country, an affinity for the Chinese people, and enhance their sense of national identity.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hong-kong-lawmakers-to-make-abuse-of-chinese-national-anthem-legal-offence-298429">Hong Kong lawmakers to make 'abuse' of Chinese national anthem legal offence</a>

Starting next year, all public kindergartens, primary and secondary schools in the city will be required to display the national flag every school day and conduct a flag-raising ceremony with the singing of the national anthem once a week.

In June of this year, this mandate was announced following the enactment of the national anthem ordinance.&nbsp; 
Under this policy, any act considered to be "insulting" to the national anthem or flag is a criminal offence and is punishable.

Also read |&nbsp;​​​​​​​<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-chinese-assertiveness-japan-pm-to-meet-eu-council-chief-to-discuss-indo-pacific-region-431023" hreflang="en">Amid Chinese assertiveness, Japan PM to meet EU Council chief to discuss Indo-Pacific region</a>

&nbsp;

The policy has been interpreted as a move by the government to muzzle opposition voices.

Teachers and students disagree with the new policy, so they stand and do not sing. Singing the national anthem is not important, it's just a ritual. Do you think that students become pro-China the more they sing?, asks one teacher.

Jan Currie, professor of education at Murdoch University and author of a book on Hong Kong's academic freedom, calls the new school mandate "indoctrination."

"The policy ... is the start of trying to make them [students] Chinese citizens in a one-China nation. It is much like what happened in Eastern Europe in the aftermath of WWII, when the Soviets occupied those countries and began to form the youth into communist-believing children and young adults," said Currie.

Watch |&nbsp;Hong Kong passes Chinese anthem law: National Anthem Bill

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hong-kong-passes-chinese-anthem-law-national-anthem-bill-303375/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"It is a form of soft indoctrination that begins with things like having the children identify with the flag and the national anthem, and then will encroach on the curriculum to introduce Marxism-Leninism-Maoism," she said.

Hong Kong public schools are now required to raise the Chinese flag and sing China's national anthem, according to a new law. The law's purpose is to foster a sense of Chinese identity among students, but the practice has been described by experts as 'dangerous' and 'ineffective'.

Hong Kong public schools are now required to raise the Chinese flag and sing China's national anthem, according to a new law. The law's purpose is to foster a sense of Chinese identity among students, but the practice has been described by experts as 'dangerous' and 'ineffective'. A government statement cited by American international broadcaster Voice of America (VOA) said the aim of the policy is to promote national education and help students develop a sense of belonging to the country, an affinity for the Chinese people, and enhance their sense of national identity. Also read | Hong Kong lawmakers to make 'abuse' of Chinese national anthem legal offence Starting next year, all public kindergartens, primary and secondary schools in the city will be required to display the national flag every school day and conduct a flag-raising ceremony with the singing of the national anthem once a week. In June of this year, this mandate was announced following the enactment of the national anthem ordinance. Under this policy, any act considered to be "insulting" to the national anthem or flag is a criminal offence and is punishable. Also read | Amid Chinese assertiveness, Japan PM to meet EU Council chief to discuss Indo-Pacific region The policy has been interpreted as a move by the government to muzzle opposition voices. Teachers and students disagree with the new policy, so they stand and do not sing. Singing the national anthem is not important, it's just a ritual. Do you think that students become pro-China the more they sing?, asks one teacher. Jan Currie, professor of education at Murdoch University and author of a book on Hong Kong's academic freedom, calls the new school mandate "indoctrination." "The policy ... is the start of trying to make them [students] Chinese citizens in a one-China nation. It is much like what happened in Eastern Europe in the aftermath of WWII, when the Soviets occupied those countries and began to form the youth into communist-believing children and young adults," said Currie. Watch | Hong Kong passes Chinese anthem law: National Anthem Bill "It is a form of soft indoctrination that begins with things like having the children identify with the flag and the national anthem, and then will encroach on the curriculum to introduce Marxism-Leninism-Maoism," she said.

'Indoctrination', 'dangerous', 'ineffective': Hong Kong schools anthem law causes concern among experts

Hong Kong passed the National Anthem bill on June 4 despite protests by pro-democracy lawmakers in the legislative council. Many critics view the bill as China's way to increase its grip on the semi-autonomous city.

Hong Kong passes Chinese anthem law: National Anthem Bill

Hong Kong&nbsp;passed the National Anthem bill on Thursday despite protests by pro-democracy lawmakers in the legislative council. Many critics view the&nbsp;bill as China's way to increase its&nbsp;grip on the semi-autonomous city.&nbsp;

The bill will criminalise any form of disrespect hurled on the Chinese national anthem, many international human rights groups, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have said that this bill could take away freedom from the Hong Kongers.&nbsp;

This bill also orders primary and secondary school children in Hong Kong to be taught to sing the "March of the Volunteers" (China's national anthem), along with history and etiquette.&nbsp;

Anyone who disrespects the national anthem in Hong Kong will now be sentenced up to three years in jail along with a fine up to HK$50,000 ($6,450).&nbsp;

The national anthem has been booed during the football matches and people have instead sung "Glory to Hong Kong".&nbsp;

During the council discussion, police and firefighters entered the city's legislature after two pro-democracy lawmakers threw foul-smelling liquid to protest against the "murderous" crackdown by Chinese troops in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square 31 years ago.

The disruption in the legislature came after pro-establishment lawmakers vetoed most amendments to the anthem bill proposed by pro-democracy lawmakers.

Lawmakers Eddie Chu and Ray Chan rushed to the front of the chamber and threw the reeking liquid as guards engaged with them. Police and firefighters later arrived on the scene.

"A murderous state stinks forever. What we did today is to remind the world that we should never forgive the Chinese Communist Party for killing its people 31 years ago," Chu said later before he and Chan were removed from the chamber.

(Inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong passed the National Anthem bill on Thursday despite protests by pro-democracy lawmakers in the legislative council. Many critics view the bill as China's way to increase its grip on the semi-autonomous city.

Hong Kong passed the National Anthem bill on Thursday despite protests by pro-democracy lawmakers in the legislative council. Many critics view the bill as China's way to increase its grip on the semi-autonomous city. The bill will criminalise any form of disrespect hurled on the Chinese national anthem, many international human rights groups, as well as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and Canada, have said that this bill could take away freedom from the Hong Kongers. This bill also orders primary and secondary school children in Hong Kong to be taught to sing the "March of the Volunteers" (China's national anthem), along with history and etiquette. Anyone who disrespects the national anthem in Hong Kong will now be sentenced up to three years in jail along with a fine up to HK$50,000 ($6,450). The national anthem has been booed during the football matches and people have instead sung "Glory to Hong Kong". During the council discussion, police and firefighters entered the city's legislature after two pro-democracy lawmakers threw foul-smelling liquid to protest against the "murderous" crackdown by Chinese troops in and around Beijing's Tiananmen Square 31 years ago. The disruption in the legislature came after pro-establishment lawmakers vetoed most amendments to the anthem bill proposed by pro-democracy lawmakers. Lawmakers Eddie Chu and Ray Chan rushed to the front of the chamber and threw the reeking liquid as guards engaged with them. Police and firefighters later arrived on the scene. "A murderous state stinks forever. What we did today is to remind the world that we should never forgive the Chinese Communist Party for killing its people 31 years ago," Chu said later before he and Chan were removed from the chamber. (Inputs from Reuters)

Hong Kong passes China national anthem bill amid protests by pro-democracy lawmakers

Before the COVID-19 pandemic swept through Hong Kong. The city-state was up in arms against mainland china over a controversial extradition bill.

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As COVID-19 cases slow down to a trickle, these tensions are flaring up once again. This time over another controversial bill that seeks to criminalise any insults to the Chinese national anthem.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-always-transparent-about-coronavirus-says-president-xi-during-world-health-assembly-video-conference-299439" hreflang="en">China always transparent about coronavirus, says President Xi during World Health Assembly video conference</a>

Legislators in the Hong Kong assembly came to blows over this controversial bill. This is the second time this month that clashes have broken out between pro-China and pro-democracy lawmakers.

Some of the pro-democracy lawmakers were forcefully removed from the chamber by security guards. The scuffle broke out in the house committee which is tasked with reviewing bills before lawmakers vote on it.

The committee chair's position has been vacant since October. Pro-democracy lawmakers have been using delaying tactics to ensure that an appointment is not made.

On Monday however, pro-China legislators unilaterally appointed an official to lead the committee. This enraged the pro-democracy camp, which considers the move to be illegal.

Some lawmakers tore up the assembly rulebook and threw it at pro-China officials. The bill is scheduled to have a second reading on May 27 in the Hong Kong legislature.

Protesters are calling for a city-wide demonstration on that day. Although Hong Kong participates as a separate entity in sporting events, they have the same national anthem as China.

Sporting fans have often booed at the Chinese national anthem inside stadiums. In response, Beijing passed a bill against insulting its national anthem.

But as per the agreement between mainland China and Hong Kong. All laws passed by the Chinese communist party will have to ratified by the hong kong legislature.

Hong Kong police have also charged 15 pro-democracy activists over their role in last year's protests. All 15 of them were arrested last summer as well. Some of them are former lawmakers.

Most of them were bailed out, but few of them used the opportunity to criticise the govt publicly in court.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic swept through Hong Kong. The city-state was up in arms against mainland china over a controversial extradition bill. Also read: Will initiate independent evaluation at earliest appropriate moment: WHO chief on coronavirus pandemic As COVID-19 cases slow down to a trickle, these tensions are flaring up once again.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic swept through Hong Kong. The city-state was up in arms against mainland china over a controversial extradition bill. Also read: Will initiate independent evaluation at earliest appropriate moment: WHO chief on coronavirus pandemic As COVID-19 cases slow down to a trickle, these tensions are flaring up once again. This time over another controversial bill that seeks to criminalise any insults to the Chinese national anthem. Also read: China always transparent about coronavirus, says President Xi during World Health Assembly video conference Legislators in the Hong Kong assembly came to blows over this controversial bill. This is the second time this month that clashes have broken out between pro-China and pro-democracy lawmakers. Some of the pro-democracy lawmakers were forcefully removed from the chamber by security guards. The scuffle broke out in the house committee which is tasked with reviewing bills before lawmakers vote on it. The committee chair's position has been vacant since October. Pro-democracy lawmakers have been using delaying tactics to ensure that an appointment is not made. On Monday however, pro-China legislators unilaterally appointed an official to lead the committee. This enraged the pro-democracy camp, which considers the move to be illegal. Some lawmakers tore up the assembly rulebook and threw it at pro-China officials. The bill is scheduled to have a second reading on May 27 in the Hong Kong legislature. Protesters are calling for a city-wide demonstration on that day. Although Hong Kong participates as a separate entity in sporting events, they have the same national anthem as China. Sporting fans have often booed at the Chinese national anthem inside stadiums. In response, Beijing passed a bill against insulting its national anthem. But as per the agreement between mainland China and Hong Kong. All laws passed by the Chinese communist party will have to ratified by the hong kong legislature. Hong Kong police have also charged 15 pro-democracy activists over their role in last year's protests. All 15 of them were arrested last summer as well. Some of them are former lawmakers. Most of them were bailed out, but few of them used the opportunity to criticise the govt publicly in court.

Hong Kong protests: Legislators resort to punches while discussing national anthem bill