Law and legislation

Australian state cracks down on illegal tobacco shops as nicotine use surges

Australia charges a federal tax of about A$1.50 (S$1.37) on each individual cigarette to discourage smoking.

Australia’s Lower House passes Bill for biggest overhaul of taxes in decades

Some businesses had urged the government to exempt them from the capital gains overhaul and confine changes to real estate.

US Senate advances ICE Bill as Democrats aim to make Trump a liability for Republicans

Political fallout over the fund had already prevented Republicans from moving the Bill forward in May.

Philippines’ Marcos urges Senate to return to work as gridlock deepens ahead of break

Philippine senators take oath as they convene as an impeachment court to hear the case of Vice President Sara Duterte, at the Senate in Pasay City, Philippines, May 18, 2026. REUTERS/Eloisa Lopez

Trump administration drops $2.3 billion ‘weaponisation’ fund after Republican backlash

Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanche testifies before a House Appropriations Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee oversight hearing on the Department of Justice, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 2, 2026. REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

Israeli MPs back Parliament dissolution Bill in first reading

A total of 106 of the Knesset’s 120 members backed the legislation, submitted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ruling coalition.

Hanoi curbs kerb culture as city clamps down on pavement vendors

Hanoi's kerbs have long been occupied by bustling food stalls and low plastic stools, a sight some have come to value as the city's distinct tradition.

Trump administration agrees to temporarily freeze ‘slush fund’ for allies

Opponents say the 'anti-weaponisation fund' could be used to reward loyalists, including defendants convicted of crimes related to the Jan 6, 2021 assault on the US Capitol by Trump supporters.

Japan woman sues state over rape case mishandling, insults

The woman argued that her mental state deteriorated after the prosecutor had accused her of making false statements during a hearing in 2023.

France moves towards symbolic repealing of slavery legislation

France abolished enslaving humans more than 170 years ago, and in 2001 recognised slavery and the slave trade as “crimes against humanity”.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.