Arizona's Supreme Court has upheld a law from 1864 that opens the door to prosecuting doctors who perform abortions. The Supreme Court in the southwestern US state of Arizona ruled on Tuesday that the state can enforce an 1864 law banning most abortions. The law will open the door to prosecuting doctors who perform the procedures. What do we know about Arizona's 1864 abortion ban? The long-dormant law predates Arizona's statehood and provides no exceptions for rape or incest but would allow abortion in the case of danger to the mother's life. The law carries a sentence of two to five years in prison for anyone assisting in an abortion. Arizona's Supreme Court had reviewed a 2022 decision by the Court of Appeals that said doctors couldn't be charged for performing abortions in the first 15 weeks of pregnancy. Numerous US states have begun enforcing old abortion bans since June 2022, when the federal Supreme Court overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade decision that guaranteed a constitutional right to abortion. Currently, 14 states are enforcing bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy with limited exceptions. Two states have banned abortion once cardiac activity can be detected, which is about six weeks into pregnancy. Many women do not yet know that they are pregnant at this stage. Courts have blocked some restrictions, including bans throughout pregnancy in the states of Utah and Wyoming. Biden, local Democrats denounce ban President Joe Biden condemned the abortion ban in a statement. "Millions of Arizonans will soon live under an even more extreme and dangerous abortion ban, which fails to protect women even when their health is at risk or in tragic cases of rape or incest," he said. "Vice President Harris and I stand with the vast majority of Americans who support a woman's right to choose. We will continue to fight to protect reproductive rights and call on Congress to pass a law restoring the protections of Roe v. Wade," he said. Abortion is set to be a major campaign issue as Biden prepares for a likely rematch with former President Donald Trump in November. Democrat Senator Eva Burch urged for Arizona residents to vote on a ballot measure allowing the right to abortion, saying "the fight for reproductive rights is not over in Arizona." Arizona's Attorney General, who is a Democrat, also denounce the Supreme Court's ruling. "Today's decision to reimpose a law from a time when Arizona wasn't a state, the Civil War was raging, and women couldn't even vote, will go down in history as a stain on our state," she said.

South Korea's financial watchdog said some of the country's largest brokers misrepresented risky China-linked structured products to retail investors, and it is considering penalties and a ban on sales. Regulators plan to take action after reviewing compensation offers from the financial firms involved, the Financial Supervisory Service said. An investigation uncovered poor regulatory compliance and systematic failures regarding the sale of products linked to the Hang Seng China Enterprises Index. "The mis-selling cases we announced today [Monday] were not just a deviation by individual firms but were common among most banks that were investigated," Lee Se-Hoon, senior first deputy governor at the FSS, said. Losses are estimated to total 5.8 trillion won (HK$34.6 billion) at the index's current levels. The potential losses will be the latest blow to the structured products market in Korea after the 2015 China stocks crash, the 2016 Brexit surprise and the 2020 oil market slump.  

US lawmakers are due to vote Wednesday on whether to force TikTok's Chinese owner to sell the popular video app or risk a nationwide ban. Spy chiefs warn that Beijing is using TikTok to undermine American democracy. For the second time in four years, the popular Chinese shortform video app TikTok is in the crosshairs of United States lawmakers.  Ahead of the 2020 US presidential election, Donald Trump signed an executive order forcing owner ByteDance to sell the app within 90 days, but it failed due to legal challenges. Washington is once again seeking to force a sale of TikTok or a nationwide ban of the app. On Wednesday, the US House of Representatives will vote on a measure that will require ByteDance to divest of the app within six months or see it barred from the Apple and Google app stores in the US. The bill will also need Senate approval, while US President Joe Biden has vowed to sign it if it passes in Congress. Why does the US want to ban TikTok? Since it was launched in 2016, TikTok has grown to be a hugely popular app, with around 170 million users in the US. American users spend a considerable amount of time on TikTok — on average 60 to 80 minutes per day, versus about 30-40 minutes on main rival Instagram, according to third-party data. US intelligence chiefs have warned that TikTok has become a tool of the Chinese government, which could be used to undermine US democracy. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence warned this week that Beijing's propaganda arm reportedly targeted Democrat and Republican candidates ahead of the US midterm elections in 2022 and fear the app could be used to subvert the presidential election in November. Beijing also has the power under national security laws to force TikTok's owner ByteDance to hand over access to the data of US users at any time, if required for intelligence gathering. TikTok has repeatedly said it has never shared US user data with Chinese authorities and won't do so if it is asked. The bill also gives the president power to designate other apps to be a national security threat if under the control of a country considered adversarial to the US. Do the plans have wide support? The vote is likely to pass overwhelmingly in the House of Representatives — a rare moment of bipartisanship in politically divided Washington.  "[The TikTok ban] is one of those rare topics that gets bipartisan support — it's basically a 'tough on China' policy'," Gene Munster, managing partner of Deepwater Asset Management told YouTube followers on Tuesday. But its fate in the Senate is far from certain, as some lawmakers are loathe to ban such a hugely popular app during an election year. White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said this week that the goal is ending Chinese ownership — not banning the app. "Do we want TikTok, as a platform, to be owned by an American company or owned by China? Do we want the data from TikTok — children's data, adults’ data -— to be staying here in America or going to China?," Sullivan said. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) warned in a statement that the ban "would violate the First Amendment rights of hundreds of millions of Americans who use the app to communicate and express themselves daily." "We're deeply disappointed that our leaders are once again attempting to trade our First Amendment rights for cheap political points during an election year," said Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at the ACLU. TikTok users received notifications through the app encouraging them to contact their local representatives to protest against the possible ban, which spurred a flurry of complaints. The new powers prompted some technology analysts to label the bill a "Trojan horse" as it will allow lawmakers to shut down foreign websites as well as apps. Others believe the measure risks alienating young US voters who are more likely to use TikTok. The measure is further complicated as Donald Trump has U-turned on his position. While he still thinks TikTok poses a national security risk, he warned that a ban would benefit rival Facebook, which he partly blames for his 2020 election loss. How will ByteDance and Beijing respond to any ban? Bloomberg News reported Wednesday that if the bill passes, ByteDance has vowed to exhaust all legal challenges before it considers selling the app. The business publication cited people familiar with the matter as saying that divestment was deemed to be a last resort for the firm. "This latest legislation, being rushed through at unprecedented speed, without even the benefit of a public hearing, poses serious Constitutional concerns," wrote Michael Beckerman, TikTok's vice president for public policy, in a letter to the bill's co-sponsors. The Chinese government warned Wednesday that a proposed ban would "inevitably come back to bite the United States," without giving any further details. "Although the United States has never found evidence that TikTok threatens US national security, it has not stopped suppressing TikTok," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said. "This kind of bullying behavior that cannot win in fair competition disrupts companies' normal business activity, damages the confidence of international investors in the investment environment, and damages the normal international economic and trade order," he added. During the US-China trade war, Beijing has often responded to curbs placed by Washington with tit-for-tat measures.    

Ministry of External Affairs of India has decided to allow onion export on a limited scale to five more countries, including Bangladesh.  Earlier, Bangladesh had sent a formal letter to the Indian government to allow the export of sugar and onions in a certain quantity to reduce the price of onion in the country during the holy month of Ramadan. However, India is the world's second largest onion exporter. The Indian government banned onion exports on December 8, 2023. The ban was later extended till March this year. Because the country wanted to control the rising prices in the domestic market by ensuring adequate supply.   

Zunaid Ahmed Palak, State Minister for Information and Communication Technology Department, has declared that illegal or unregistered mobile phones may face a ban starting July of this year. “Unregistered mobile phones will have the opportunity to register them,” he told the media on Tuesday (Jan 23) at the Secretariat. Palak explained that the process to curb illegal or unregistered phones would take approximately five months.   He also stated that during the next three months, technological improvements would be made, followed by two months of experimentation.   He urged everyone to refrain from obtaining phones illegally during this period and instead purchase them through proper channels. He also highlighted the BTRC's dedicated efforts to prevent unregistered phones from entering the grey market, deterring theft and smuggling. “These measures aim to safeguard local industries and maintain law and order through effective technology utilisation,” he said.

Parliamentarians in South Korea on Tuesday passed a bill to ban selling or producing dog meat, something that has been practiced in the country for centuries. The law, which is to go into force in 2027, comes amid growing support for animal welfare in the country.   The National Assembly passed the bill by a 208-0 vote. Although it still needs to be endorsed by the Cabinet Council and signed by President Yoon Suk-yeol to go into force, those steps are considered a formality. Support for a ban has grown under President Yoon, who is known for adopting stray dogs and cats. His wife, Kim Keon-hee, has also been outspoken in her criticism of the practice. Recent surveys show that most South Koreans no longer include dog meat in their diets.   What does the law stipulate? Under the new law, it will become illegal to breed, sell or kill dogs for their meat, with offenses punished by up to three years in jail or 30 million won (€21,000, $23,000) in fines. "This law is aimed at contributing to realizing the values of animal rights, which pursue respect for life and a harmonious co-existence between humans and animals," the legislation reads. The law does not stipulate punishments for consuming dog meat.   Dog farmers are expected to hold protests against the bill and file a petition at the constitutional court. The South Korean Agriculture Ministry has estimated that more than 1,000 farms were breeding almost half a million dogs to be served at around 1,600 restaurants as of April 2022.

Hong Kong should end its ban on Japanese seafood imports as the Fukushima nuclear waste water discharge had not caused contamination and doing so will show it can make decisions separately from mainland China under “one country, two systems”, Japan’s top diplomat in the city has said. In an exclusive interview with the Post, Japanese Consul General Kenichi Okada said the city had already taken a different approach from the mainland by applying a more narrow ban on only 10 prefectures. “Mainland China banned all seafood imports from Japan, while Hong Kong banned imports from only 10 prefectures,” he said. “[This] already shows a stark contrast between the mainland and Hong Kong.” Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The consul general said he believed the city could “continue to show one country, two systems in various manners”. “For example, if Hong Kong can lift the ban earlier than mainland China, Hong Kong can showcase the beautiful merits of one country, two systems in front of Japan,” he said. The governing principle guarantees Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy for 50 years after reunification, and is stipulated in the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution. The consul general said he believed the city could “continue to show one country, two systems in various manners”. “For example, if Hong Kong can lift the ban earlier than mainland China, Hong Kong can showcase the beautiful merits of one country, two systems in front of Japan,” he said. The governing principle guarantees Hong Kong a high degree of autonomy for 50 years after reunification, and is stipulated in the Basic Law, the city’s mini-constitution.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has declared that strict action will be taken against those caught red-handed flying lanterns, igniting firecrackers, or selling them. Despite the ban, the sale of these flammable items persists.   During a visit in the capital, it was seen that sky lanterns were openly being sold at various intersections. In recent years, the once joyous English New Year celebration has been overshadowed by a gloom affair due to numerous hazardous incidents arising from the use of fireworks and sky lanterns on the New Year’s Eve. Numerous incidents, including fire outbreaks and fatalities, have been reported in over 200 locations across the country. Last year, even the power transmission line of the metro rail was damaged during such incidents. In response to these issues, law enforcement forces have adopted a stringent stance. To ensure a festive and safe environment for both the upcoming national parliamentary election and the 31st night, a ban has been imposed on all types of fireworks, lanterns, and firecrackers in Dhaka city for an indefinite period. Additionally, fireworks and sky lanterns were being discreetly sold in the narrow lanes of Old Dhaka, including Tantibazar and Shakharibazar, known as the largest market for lanterns and fireworks. Many shops are engaging in the illegal sale of lanterns and fireworks, employing covert tactics. Sellers are selective, only offering their products to familiar faces, and transactions often take place away from the prying eyes of authorities. Firecrackers and lanterns are being illicitly sold in small shops tucked away in the alleys of various areas in Old Dhaka, such as Shakhari Bazar, Tantibazar, Sutrapur, and Patikhan Lane. Despite the ban, several young people and teenagers were observed standing discreetly in the vicinity, ready to approach potential buyers. Wahidul Islam Safayat, a resident of Old Dhaka, acknowledged the DMP's instructions but noted that not everyone is adhering to the guidelines. He said: “Fireworks and lantern festivals are the traditions of Old Dhaka. I think we should all be careful about bursting firecrackers and flying lanterns. We should all celebrate and light lanterns at a specific place instead of flying lanterns everywhere.” Safayat also mentioned that lanterns are still available in Shankharibazar and Tantibazar, sold secretly to locals behind the shops. Another resident of Old Dhaka, a college student named Turjo, said: “Celebrating the night with fireworks on December 31 every year is not new. Every year I used to set off these firecrackers and lanterns myself. But when I saw the occasional accident due to it, I have been avoiding it ever since. I think social organizations and television should spread awareness advertisements to stop this bad culture.” Wishing to remain anonymous, a trader in Shakhari Bazar, admitted that lanterns and firecrackers are available in many shops despite the ban. He justified the sales by saying that they are fulfilling the requests of known customers and selling the items discreetly. “We have brought the items at the shops following requests of known customers. Moreover, we can sell at double price than the usual price this time. That's why I'm selling it secretly. But when the existing items will be sold out, I will not bring anymore,” said the trader.  He added that the existing items are being sold at double the usual price, and once the stock is depleted, they will cease further sales in compliance with the ban.

Bangladesh are keen to restore some pride by avoiding a whitewash as they take on New Zealand for the third and final ODI at McLean Park in Napier on Saturday. The match will start at 4am (Bangladesh Time). The Tigers lost the rain-hit first game by 44 runs before suffering a seven-wicket defeat in the second game despite landmark 169 run knock of Soumya Sarkar. The defeat extended Bangladesh's losing streak in ODI on New Zealand soil to 18. With no series in New Zealand in FTP till 2027, the third ODI would be Bangladesh's last chance so far to end this disappointing streak. If they can do so, they will also avoid the whitewash and fifth straight defeat to New Zealand. The Black Caps, even won a three-match series in Bangladesh by 2-0 ahead of the World Cup. What however ailed Bangladesh was their familiar top order collapse. In the first match, they were reduced to 92-4 in the chase of 245 and later in second ODI, they were slumped to 80-4 after opting to bat first. Soumya Sarkar hammered a record-breaking 151 ball-169 to help Bangladesh recover from ultimate shamble on a good batting track as Bangladesh compiled 291-7 in second ODI. Still they tasted a big defeat, which was a testament of how good the pitch was for batting. Bangladesh's middle order comprised with captain Najmul Hossain Shanto, Liton Das and Towhid Hridoy simply failed to do their job when there was high expectation on them. The Tigers could have got the edge in the last two matches had the middle order not misfired. Mushfiqur Rahim, who is coming to bat at No. 6, failed in the first game but got back to his form with a 67-run knock in the second match. But the individual flashes of brilliance is inadequate in winning the match and that too on New Zealand soil where the Asian teams historically always struggle. "It's really disappointing. We lost a couple of early wickets, that's what cost us today. We had a good tally, but our bowlers didn't bowl well," Shanto said after the first match, emphasizing on total team effort to end their miserable streak in New Zealand. After the ODI series, Bangladesh will play a three-match T20 International series here.     Source: BSS

Retailers are selling onions at as high as Tk 200 a kilogramme in and outside of Dhaka, compared with Tk 130 on Thursday (Dec 7) in a shock development for consumers reeling under the higher cost of living. The prices of onions have increased by Tk 50 to Tk 60 per kg in Khulna as elsewhere in Bangladesh shortly after India banned its export till March 31 next year. The prices jumped in the wake of India's extension of the onion export ban on Friday. The neighbouring country India extended the ban until March, 2024 – three weeks before the current phase of restriction expired on December 31 – in order to increase the supply in the domestic market and control the price of the vegetable. Though wholesalers and retailers in Bangladesh are blaming India's ban extension for the sudden increase, market observers questioned the spike since the embargo was not new. Nahidul Islam, an onion trader, said the price of imported onion was higher as the importers imported onion at high price.  However, the recent announcement of India restricting export also made the onion market unstable. "There is no reason for the onion price to almost double overnight."    But retailers were selling the homegrown variety of onion at Tk 204 a kg at Karwan Bazar in Dhaka today (Dec 9), compared with Tk 130 per kg on Thursday. Prices of Indian onion rose to Tk 110 from Tk 50 to Tk 60 per kg. "Besides, there is not enough supply as per demand in the local market." Mohammad Abdul Mazed, general secretary of the Shyambazar Onion Wholesalers Association, said that India's export ban has had a big impact on the country's market. Rains in the past few days have also affected the prices. "Supply crunch is another reason for the price hike." The price has rocketed not just in Dhaka but also in other parts of the country.