US allows oil exports for 1st time since 1970s: WSJ
The US will allow two companies to export unrefined oil for the first time in four decades, taking steps to break a ban on crude exports, The Wall Street Journal reported.
Christians lose divisive bid to use 'Allah' in Malaysia
Malaysia's highest court on Monday dismissed a bid by Christians for the right to use the word "Allah", ending a years-long legal battle that has escalated religious tensions in the Muslim-majority country.
Pacific Alliance inks work visa deal in Latin America
Latin America's Pacific Alliance trade bloc agreed to allow citizens to live and work in any of the four member countries for a year.
US slaps sanctions on Uganda for 'vile' anti-gay laws
The United States Thursday slapped sanctions on Uganda -- cancelling a military air exercise, imposing visa bans and freezing some aid -- amid deep US anger at "vile" Ugandan anti-gay laws.
Japan bans child porn possession
Japan on Wednesday finally fell into line with other developed countries and made the possession of child pornography illegal.
Circus performers flip over animal ban in Mexico City
About 1,000 clowns, jugglers and animal trainers marched Tuesday against Mexico City's pending ban on circus animals.
China blocks Google sites amid Tiananmen security drive
Several Google websites have been blocked in China, a monitoring service said Tuesday, as authorities step up arrests and censorship before the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square crackdown.
Turkey's top court rules YouTube ban violates rights
Turkey's top court ruled on Thursday that a blanket ban on YouTube violated individual rights and freedoms, clearing the way for the popular video-sharing site to come back.
Chinese elderly commit suicide to avoid coffin ban
Six elderly people in China are said to have committed suicide to ensure they died before new regulations banning coffin burials come into force, a newspaper reported.
Costa Rica to allow gay couples to share health benefits
Costa Rica's social security administration has agreed to allow same-sex couples to share health and pension benefits, even though the conservative Central American country bans gay marriage.
Microsoft to press China after Windows 8 ban
Microsoft said Tuesday it would maintain efforts to gain approval in China for its Windows 8 operating system after a ban announced by Beijing.
European alcohol ban in Kazakhstan a hasty decision: KazAlko
KazAlko Association considers ban of European alcohol import to Kazakhstan a hasty decision.
Swiss vote to ban paedophiles from working with kids
Switzerland on Sunday overwhelmingly voted for a harsher stance against convicted paedophiles by banning them from working with children for life.
Tokyo to ban sales of incest comic to minors
The Tokyo government is to ban sales to children of a manga comic that depicts incestuous relationships, an official said Tuesday, the first time expanded rules on sexual content have been invoked.
Kazakhstan bans European alcohol import
Kazakhstan will introduce a temporary ban on import of alcohol from a number of foreign countries that do not meet the Customs Union standards.
Indonesia bans video-sharing site Vimeo over 'porn'
Indonesia has ordered a ban on popular video-sharing website Vimeo after accusing it of hosting pornographic content, sparking social media fury.
India threatens WTO action over EU mango ban
India on Friday threatened to drag the European Union to the World Trade Organization over its ban on mango imports.
Singaporeans defy ban on e-cigarettes
Singaporeans are defying a ban on electronic cigarettes despite stiff fines for distributors and smugglers, health authorities said.
Gambia bans flights from Ebola-hit nations
The Gambia has banned flights from Ebola-hit west African countries from landing in its territory, airport officials told AFP.
Japan lifts own blanket arms export ban
Japan on Tuesday lifted a self-imposed ban on weapons exports, introducing new rules covering the arms trade in a move supporters say will boost Tokyo's global role, but which could unnerve China.
