Vietnam ups battle against online dissent

HANOI • Some of Vietnam's biggest firms have suspended YouTube advertising as the communist country steps up a campaign against online dissent, which has also targeted global brands such as Unilever and Samsung.

Since last month, Vietnam began pressuring advertisers as well as companies to try to get content the government finds offensive removed.

REUTERS

Ex-Uttar Pradesh minister held for rape

NEW DELHI • Indian police yesterday arrested Gayatri Prajapati, former minister of the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, who has been accused of raping a woman and attempting to rape her daughter.

XINHUA

Pakistan launches 1st census in 20 years

PESHAWAR • Pakistan yesterday launched its first census in nearly two decades, with heightened security as thousands of enumerators began the enormous, politically charged count.

The weeks-long process will see a team of over 300,000 people deployed and involve 55 million forms - as well as a second, separate form distributed by the military.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE