US top court rejects same-sex marriage appeal: report
The US Supreme Court has rejected an emergency bid to reinstate California's ban on same-sex marriage.
Scientists demand New Zealand save 'sea hobbit'
Marine scientists have urged New Zealand to immediately ban fishing in waters inhabited by the world's rarest dolphin, saying that losing even one of the creatures will threaten the species' existence.
Cambodia denies foreign radio broadcast ban
Cambodia on Saturday denied it had banned foreign radio broadcasts in the run up to next month's election, after the US accused the government of violating freedom of expression.
Kazakhstan bans use of Omsk refinery's bitumen in road construction
The bitumen produced by Omsk oil refinery has insufficient rutting resistance: Transport Ministry.
Gambia to ban rice imports from 2016: president
Gambian President Yahya Jammeh said Sunday the west African country would ban rice imports from 2016, in a bid to boost demand for local produce and move towards self sufficiency.
French move to ban industrial food from 'restaurants'
Worried its gastronomic reputation is being damaged by substandard eateries, France is considering banning establishments from calling themselves restaurants if meals are not made from scratch by in-house chefs.
Kazakhstan mulls banning mercury-containing light bulbs
Production of mercury-containing light bulbswill be banned in Kazakhstan.
Turkish Airlines reverses lipstick ban for stewardesses
Turkish Airlines has reversed a ban on air hostesses wearing brightly-coloured lipstick following accusations it was trying to Islamise the company under government influence.
China bans forced mental hospital detentions: media
A new law has taken effect prohibiting Chinese from being committed to mental hospitals without their consent in an attempt to prevent "forced detentions".
China foreign news ban criticised by media group
A press freedom group Thursday criticised a ruling that bans Chinese journalists from quoting foreign news outlets without permission, a move that further tightens Beijing's control of the media.
Russia hits 18 US officials with tit-for-tat entry ban
Russia on Saturday published its own blacklist of US officials banned from entering the country in retaliation for Washington's move Friday to name 18 Russians who allegedly committed human rights abuses.
Every second Almaty cafe violates shisha law
Almaty's bars and restaurants were checked for observance of the shisha-banning law.
Britain brings in ban on 'rip-off' surcharges
A ban on "rip-off" surcharges imposed on credit card spending came into force in Britain on Saturday, meaning traders must ensure that the extra fees reflect genuine processing costs.
Kazakhstan bans smoking shisha in public places
Kazakhstan Healthcare Ministry introduced a ban on smoking shisha in public places, including night clubs, restaurants, cinemas and any indoor public entertainment facilities on March 14, 2013.
Britain could sidestep EU ban on arming Syria rebels: PM
Britain would consider ignoring a European Union arms ban and supplying weapons to Syrian rebels if it would help topple President Bashar al-Assad.
US judge blocks New York ban on giant fizzy drinks
A New York judge blocked mayor Michael Bloomberg's planned ban on giant sodas Monday, dealing a setback to his public health agenda just hours before curbs on selling such drinks were due to begin.
James Franco lashes Australia for banning gay film
Hollywood star James Franco has lashed out at Australia for banning the US gay-themed film "I Want Your Love", calling the decision embarrassing.
Israel to delay settlement starts for Obama trip: report
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has banned settler housing tenders being issued for the West Bank and east Jerusalem when US President Barack Obama visits this month.
Strauss-Kahn fails to ban tell-all book but wins damages
A Paris court Tuesday turned down disgraced former IMF chief Dominique Strauss-Kahn's bid to ban a "despicable" book on his affair with the author, but ordered Marcela Iacub and her publisher to pay him 50,000 euros in damages.
Gabon bans large-calibre arms to stem elephant poaching
Gabon is banning large-calibre arms after experiencing a surge in elephant poaching in its national parks.
