A 66-year-old Vadodara widow moved Gujarat High Court to revert to her Christian maiden name, citing difficulties in securing housing in non-Muslim localities due to her current Muslim name. The HC issued notices to state authorities, seeking a reply by Aug 27 on why her name change request was declined.
South Korea's Cabinet approved five presidential decrees to reform the military counterintelligence unit, the Defense Counterintelligence Command (DCC), following criticism over its political influence and a failed martial law imposition. The reforms will dismantle the DCC, create new bodies, and strip the military of surveillance powers.
Vietnam has issued Decree No. 284/2026/NĐ-CP, imposing administrative penalties up to 200 million Vietnamese dong for using unlicensed crypto platforms, unauthorized offerings, and AML violations. The decree takes effect September 1, aligning with the country's move towards a regulated crypto market.
Australia is grappling with the profound societal and economic impact of artificial intelligence, prompting Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to outline a national strategy focused on protecting sovereignty, fostering job creation, and avoiding past mistakes amidst global investment and ethical debates.
Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned the US of 'unforgettable lessons' while urging 'sacred unity' among Iranians amid escalating conflict and internal political disputes over a suspended MoU. The message comes after eight nights of US strikes and Iranian retaliation.
The Allahabad High Court ruled that a family court must declare a couple divorced even if talaq was pronounced privately under Muslim Personal Law, provided neither party disputes it. The court stated its role is to record the valid extra-judicial divorce for public record.
Bitcoin exchange Bull Bitcoin has petitioned France's Council of State to strike down EU's DAC8 crypto tax reporting rules, citing risks of mass data leaks and increased danger to crypto holders due to potential kidnappings and wrench attacks.
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev signed a decree to regulate the digital asset market, introducing rules for stablecoin payments in cross-border trade, tax incentives for regulated crypto activity, and new energy options for digital mining, aiming to establish the country as a global crypto hub.
Jailed Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong will plead guilty to conspiring with a fugitive former lawmaker to collude with foreign forces. A plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 2. The charge carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment under the national security law.
The Vatican has excommunicated six bishops from the ultraconservative Society of St Pius X and warned that lay believers adhering to the group face the same fate. This action follows the group's consecration of four new bishops, defying Pope Leo's plea.
Kazakhstan will hold elections for its new unicameral parliament, the Kurultai, on August 23, 2026, according to a decree signed by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The Kurultai replaces the previous bicameral legislature under a new constitution.
Der Oberste Gerichtshof der USA hat Trumps Dekret abgelehnt, das die automatische Einbürgerung von Kindern von Migranten ohne Aufenthaltserlaubnis verhindern sollte. Die Richter entschieden, dass dies gegen den 14. Verfassungszusatz verstößt, der jedem im Land geborenen Kind die Staatsbürgerschaft garantiert.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has extended the ban on oil and petroleum product supplies under the G7 and EU price cap until December 31, 2027. The decree, effective since February 2023, prohibits sales to foreign entities if contracts include the price cap mechanism.
The Russian Finance Ministry has fulfilled its Eurobond coupon payment obligations for bonds maturing in 2027 and 2047, totaling 17.3 billion rubles ($234.8 million). Payments were processed according to a decree on honoring state debt liabilities.
The Taliban's new decree on judicial separation has effectively closed all avenues for Afghan women to divorce, trapping them in abusive and unwanted marriages, as evidenced by the cases of Fatima, Ruqya, Habiba, Mina, Leila, and Sima.
Bolivia is showing signs of returning to normalcy after President Paz declared a state of emergency to end a 50-day social crisis. The Legislative Assembly approved the decree, aiming to restore transit and supply essential goods. Agreements were reached in Santa Cruz, and a La Paz federation paused protests, though demands remain.
The Bombay High Court ruled that a divorced wife cannot seek an increase in maintenance after her husband's death. However, she can still claim arrears and lifetime maintenance from his estate.
Several French towns, including Le Lavandou, issued "death prohibited" decrees due to full cemeteries. The unusual policy aimed to draw attention to the lack of burial space, a problem exacerbated by land restrictions and environmental preservation concerns halting expansion projects.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced plans for legislative elections in November 2026 and presidential elections in early 2027. The last elections were in 2006, and Abbas has ruled by decree since his mandate expired in 2009.
Tariffs, once a dominant business concern, are now a "non-issue" for most companies. Despite new proposed tariffs related to forced labor, businesses are focused on economic growth, AI, and worker retention, expecting any new tariffs to be challenged and overturned.
The "Accise ter" decree, including tax payment extensions for VAT holders and a crackdown on telemarketing, has passed its first reading in the Italian Senate. It now moves to the Chamber for final approval by June 29th.
Italy's government has enacted a decree on Artificial Intelligence, establishing a new crime and civil sanctions for its misuse. The measures span security and justice sectors.
Italian unions Unsa Confsal, Cisl Fp, Confintesa Fp, Uilfp Giustizia, and Flp have strongly criticized a new justice decree, calling it a "grave attack" on collective bargaining and union democracy. They threaten to withdraw from a collective agreement if their concerns about the decree's impact on judicial office staff and non-stabilized personnel are not addressed.
The Chamber of Deputies approved a decree on fair wages and employment incentives with 137 votes in favor. The bill, which includes measures against digital exploitation and provides significant contribution exemptions for hiring young people and women, now moves to the Senate.
