Poland's President Nawrocki Signs Bill for Income Tax Exemption for Families with Two or More Children
Poland's President Karol Nawrocki has signed a draft bill to exempt families with at least two children from income tax, a key campaign promise aimed at boosting the nation's declining birth rate. The legislation, applicable to incomes up to 140,000 zloty, is part of a broader 'tax armor' package and is expected to provide significant financial relief, though it still requires parliamentary approval.
Nigerian Senate Approves Life Imprisonment for Child Defilement
The Nigerian Senate has unanimously approved a bill mandating life imprisonment for individuals convicted of child defilement, a significant increase from the previous five-year maximum sentence. The Criminal Code Act (Amendment) Bill, 2025, also stiffens penalties for other sexual offenses, reflecting a national push to combat rising child abuse cases.
Australia Rolls Out Public Campaign for National 16-Year Social Media Age Limit
Australia has launched a public education campaign ahead of its new national 16-year age limit for social media accounts, set to take effect on December 10, 2025. The legislation, passed in late 2024, mandates social media platforms to prevent minors under 16 from creating or maintaining accounts, with penalties up to AUD $50 million for non-compliance.
China Raises Civil Servant Hiring Age to 38 Amid Workforce Challenges
China has increased the maximum hiring age for some civil service positions from 35 to 38, and up to 43 for advanced degree holders, marking the first such change in nearly 30 years. The move aims to combat age discrimination, retain older workers, and address the nation's shrinking workforce and aging population.
Luxembourg Government Council Adopts Sweeping Pension Reform Bills
Luxembourg's Government Council formally adopted draft bills on October 10, 2025, to reform the pension system. Key measures include a gradual increase in the required contribution period for early retirement by eight months by 2030 and a rise in the overall contribution rate from 24% to 25.5% starting January 1, 2026.
Eritrea Reaffirms Strong Commitment to FGM/C Eradication, Citing Significant Progress
Eritrea continues to demonstrate robust national commitment and measurable progress in eliminating Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C). A recent press conference in Asmara, featuring the National Union of Eritrean Women and UN representatives, highlighted the nation's comprehensive strategy, legal framework, and impressive decline in FGM/C prevalence among younger generations, aiming for complete eradication by 2030.
Five Arrested in Hoofddorp Abduction Case; 49-Year-Old Woman Still Missing
Dutch police have arrested five individuals in connection with the abduction of a 49-year-old woman from Hoofddorp, who disappeared on Wednesday morning, October 8, 2025, while driving to work. Her car was later found, but she remains missing, prompting a large-scale investigation.
Denmark Proposes Social Media Ban for Under-15s Amid Child Welfare Concerns
Denmark has announced plans to ban social media for children under the age of 15, with parental consent potentially allowing access from age 13. Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen cited concerns over mental health, concentration issues, and exposure to inappropriate content, describing social media as 'stealing our children's childhood'.
Tajikistan Considers New Social Media Restrictions for Minors
Tajikistan is debating new legislation proposed by lawmaker Dilnoza Ahmadzoda to ban social media for children under 14 and require parental consent for ages 14-17. The move aims to protect minors from harmful online content, sparking debate among experts and the public regarding effectiveness and digital literacy.
Kyrgyzstan Raises Pensions to Average of 11,226 Soms Starting October 1, 2025
Kyrgyzstan has increased pensions from October 1, 2025, with the average pension now reaching 11,226 soms. The indexation, affecting over 818,700 pensioners, includes a 10% rise for pensions up to 50,000 soms and a cap of 5,000 soms for higher amounts, aiming to enhance living standards.
Australia Extends First Home Guarantee to Christmas and Cocos Islands, Easing Home Ownership Path
Australia's First Home Guarantee scheme has expanded, effective October 1, 2025, to include Christmas and Cocos (Keeling) Islands. The changes remove income and place limits, allowing eligible homebuyers to secure a property with a minimum 5% deposit and avoid Lenders Mortgage Insurance. A property price cap of $400,000 applies to these islands.
Japanese Woman Arrested After Daughter's Body Found in Freezer After Two Decades
A 75-year-old woman, Keiko Mori, has been arrested in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, after confessing to keeping her daughter's body in a freezer for approximately 20 years. The discovery was made after Mori reported the situation to police with a relative.
Japan's Elderly Population Declines for First Time in Two Years
The estimated number of people aged 65 or older in Japan has decreased by 50,000 from the previous year, totaling 36.19 million and accounting for 29.4% of the national population, according to the internal affairs ministry. This drop marks the first decline in two years and is attributed to higher mortality rates among the elderly compared to those reaching retirement age.
Japan's Centenarian Population Reaches New Heights
Japan's centenarian population is projected to reach a record 99,763, continuing a 55-year trend of growth, with women representing approximately 88% of this age group. This surge in the elderly population is accompanied by a record number of individuals expected to celebrate their 100th birthday this fiscal year, highlighting the nation's increasing longevity.
Japan's Imperial Family Grapples with Shrinking Numbers, Calls for Reform
Japan's top imperial official expressed serious concern over the shrinking imperial family and urged progress in parliamentary discussions to address the issue, primarily caused by the rule requiring women to leave the family upon marriage.
Crown Princess Kiko Reflects on Family Milestones as She Celebrates 59th Birthday
Crown Princess Kiko celebrated her 59th birthday by reflecting on significant family events, particularly her son's coming-of-age ceremony and her daughter's new motherhood. She expressed pride in seeing her son, Prince Hisahito, navigate university life and shared hopes for family visits in the near future.
Record High Reached as Population of 100+ Year Olds Continues to Grow
Japan's centenarian population hit a record high of nearly 100,000, marking the 55th consecutive year of increase, with women comprising the vast majority. The western prefecture of Shimane had the highest rate of centenarians, while the nation also celebrated the birthdays of its oldest residents and those turning 100.
Scathing Criticism of Biden's Re-election Decision and White House Dynamics
In her upcoming memoir, Kamala Harris criticizes Joe Biden's decision to seek re-election, calling it "recklessness" and highlighting divisions within the White House. She also details instances where she felt unsupported by Biden's team, particularly regarding media coverage and her role on immigration.
Understanding Driving License Renewal Regulations for Drivers Aged 70 and Above
Drivers aged 70 and older are required to renew their driving licenses every three years, a departure from the standard ten-year renewal cycle, with reminders sent by the DVLA.
Japan Expands Access to Genetic Testing for Fertility Treatments
The Japan Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology has broadened access to preimplantation genetic testing, now allowing infertile couples with women aged 35 and older to utilize the procedure. Additionally, the society approved a majority of applications for preimplantation genetic diagnosis, which was expanded to include adult-onset diseases.
