China formally abolishes labour camps: state media
China's top legislative committee on Saturday formally abolished the country's "re-education through labour" camps and approved a loosening of its one-child policy, state media reported.
Obama signs defense, budget bills into law
President Barack Obama signed into law Thursday the compromise US budget bill recently negotiated by feuding lawmakers and a massive defense measure that takes a step toward ultimate closure of Guantanamo.
Coloured tattoos escape ban in France
Tattoo artists in France, who were up in arms about a government ban on certain dyes, say the health ministry has reassured them they will be able to keep using coloured ink, attributing the uproar to a misunderstanding of thousands of pages of regulations.
US 'concern' over Uganda anti-gay bill
The United States voiced concern on Tuesday over a draconian anti-homosexuality bill passed by Uganda's parliament.
Bolivia leader -- an ex-child worker -- opposes child labor age
President Evo Morales said Monday he opposed any outright ban on child labor or setting a minimum age for workers in Bolivia -- as a former child worker, himself.
Pakistan court says it cannot lift Musharraf travel ban
A Pakistani court on Monday said it was unable to lift a travel ban on former military ruler Pervez Musharraf, a day before his trial for treason was due to start.
Uganda adopts tough anti-gay bill
Uganda's parliament on Friday adopted an anti-homosexuality bill that will see repeat offenders jailed for life, sparking an international outcry as lawmakers hailed it as a victory against "evil".
Kazakh teen released on bail is electronically tagged in London
The Kazakh teenager, arrested on charges of sexual harassment, was released on bailed but has to wear an ankle monitoring bracelet.
Toyota spare parts traders refuse to import goods from Russia
Almaty Toyota spare part traders say that the scheme proposed by official Toyota brand representative in Kazakhstan is cost-inefficient .
US to cut funding on Turkish Chinese-missile purchase
The US Congress is set to adopt a law next week forbidding Turkey from using American funds to acquire a $4 billion missile system from a Chinese company blacklisted by Washington.
Wine dealer 'lied over fake vintages': US trial
Renowned wine collector Rudy Kurniawan forged some of the finest vintages in the world, a series of French experts told his New York fraud trial Thursday.
Kazakhstan Financial Police insists on capping cash-outs
Kazakhstan Agency for Fighting Economic and Corruption Crimes (the Financial Police) is calling the Government to introduce restrictions for cash withdrawals.
Mexico's Congress approves historic oil reform
Mexico's Congress approved historic energy reform Thursday aimed at luring foreign oil firms back into the country and ending the state's 75-year-old monopoly following a heated debate.
Australia's top court overrules gay marriage in capital
Australia's High Court on Thursday struck down gay marriage in the nation's capital where dozens have wed under a landmark law, ruling that parliament must decide whether to approve same-sex unions.
US House votes to get tough on child abduction
The US House of Representatives voted Wednesday to punish countries that do not promptly return abducted children, upping pressure in an issue that has soured relations with Japan and other allies.
India's top court upholds law criminalising gay sex
India's Supreme Court Wednesday upheld a colonial-era law criminalising homosexuality in a landmark judgment that crushes activists' hopes for guarantees on sexual freedom in the world's biggest democracy.
Uruguay becomes world's first country to legalize marijuana trade
Uruguay's Senate has approved ground-breaking legislation legalizing marijuana, becoming the first nation in the world to oversee the production and sale of the drug.
Star wine dealer goes on trial for fraud in NYC
Star Indonesian-born wine dealer Rudy Kurniawan went on trial in New York Monday, accused of blending ordinary wines into fake vintages in his California kitchen to sell to wealthy collectors.
Elton John challenges Russian gay ban from stage
British pop icon Elton John escaped serious criticism in Russia on Saturday after using a sold-out Moscow concert to challenge a highly contentious law banning the "propaganda of homosexuality" to minors.
Japanese parliament passes controversial secrets law
Japan's parliament on Friday adopted a law on protecting state secrets despite a public outcry, with strong opposition from the media and academics who fear it will infringe on the right to information and free expression.
