Saudi authorities have officially announced that Eid Al-Fitr 2026 will commence on Friday, March 20. The declaration follows the sighting of the crescent moon, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan for Muslims across the Kingdom and signaling the beginning of the three-day festival of breaking the fast.
The Nigerian Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy has initiated a public consultation process to develop new regulations aimed at protecting children on digital platforms. The move seeks to address growing concerns regarding online safety, data privacy, and exposure to harmful content for minors in the country's rapidly expanding digital space.
Indonesia has enacted new regulations aimed at protecting minors online by restricting access to high-risk digital platforms for children under 16. The initiative is part of a broader government effort to curb online exploitation, cyberbullying, and exposure to harmful content, mandating stricter age verification processes for digital service providers operating within the country.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has officially opened the registration process for domestic pilgrims wishing to perform the Hajj pilgrimage. Citizens and residents can now apply for various Hajj packages through the ministry's official website and the Nusuk application, marking the start of preparations for the upcoming Hajj season.
Iceland has officially accepted the compulsory jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice, depositing a declaration on February 26, 2026. This move signifies Iceland's commitment to international law and peaceful dispute resolution, making it one of 75 states to recognize the Court's jurisdiction under Article 36, paragraph 2, of its Statute.
The United Kingdom government has introduced the Representation of the People Bill, aiming to strengthen political finance laws against foreign interference and expand democratic participation by lowering the voting age to 16 and 17. The bill includes stricter rules for company donations, enhanced 'Know Your Donor' checks, and increased fines for breaches.
Brazil is set to implement a new law, the Digital ECA, on March 17, 2026, requiring robust age verification for minors accessing online gambling, pornography, and other harmful content. A government decree, expected by late February 2026, will detail the age-verification measures for app stores and platforms, prohibiting reliance on self-declared ages.
Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah commenced issuing electronic Hajj visas for 2026 on February 8, 2026, part of an accelerated timeline under Vision 2030. The digital Nusuk platform facilitates applications, with India's official quota set at 175,025 pilgrims. Preparations began in June 2025, with first pilgrim arrivals expected in April 2026.
Eligible Australian seniors receiving the Age Pension through Centrelink will see updated payment rates from February 12, 2026. This adjustment, part of regular indexation, means single pensioners can receive up to $1,178.70 per fortnight, while couples may receive up to $1,777 per fortnight combined, aiming to help manage rising living costs.
President Javier Milei's government is pushing to lower Argentina's age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 13 or 14. The bill, formally incorporated via Decree 53/2026, will be debated in extraordinary sessions of Congress starting February 2, sparking renewed debate over juvenile justice and public safety.
The Argentine government has formally expanded the agenda for extraordinary congressional sessions to include a debate on changes to the juvenile criminal regime. The proposal, backed by Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona and Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, seeks to lower the age of criminal responsibility from the current 16, with a consensus draft bill aiming for 14 years old.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to fast-track legislation that would ban social media access for children under 15, aiming for implementation by September 2026. The move seeks to protect minors from online risks and manipulation, building on existing efforts to regulate digital platforms.
France is advancing legislation to prohibit social media access for children under 15, with debates beginning in January 2026 and potential implementation by September 2026. Backed by President Emmanuel Macron, the move addresses growing concerns over youth mental health, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content, following Australia's recent similar ban for under-16s.
Over 60 Labour MPs have written to Sir Keir Starmer, advocating for a social media ban for under-16s in the UK, citing concerns over unregulated and addictive platforms. The move comes as the government launches a consultation and a crucial vote looms in the House of Lords on a similar amendment.
A petition signed by over 130,000 people has prompted UK MPs to debate a ban on social media for children under 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicates the government is now 'open' to such restrictions, citing concerns over mental health and online harms, and is examining Australia's approach.
The Catholic Church in Austria has introduced a new formation program, 'Zweiten Weg für Spätberufene' (Second Pathway for Late Vocations), for men aged 45 to 60. Announced on January 5, 2026, by the Conference of Rectors of Austrian Seminaries, the initiative allows candidates to pursue priestly training, including theological studies and seminary formation, while continuing their secular employment, addressing the ongoing shortage of priests.
The United Arab Emirates has officially reduced the legal age of maturity from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian years, effective early 2026. This landmark reform, part of a new Federal Decree-Law, aims to empower young adults, streamline legal processes, and align the nation's civil laws with international norms.
A new national survey in Iceland reveals that 70% of respondents back a ban on social media for children under 16. The findings come amidst ongoing parliamentary discussions and a global trend towards stricter digital regulations for minors.
The remote Italian village of Pagliara dei Marsi, in the Abruzzo region, has welcomed its first baby in almost 30 years. Lara Bussi Trabucco's birth has increased the village's population to approximately 20, bringing joy and hope amidst Italy's ongoing demographic decline.
The United Arab Emirates has issued a new federal decree-law to protect children from online risks and harmful digital content. The legislation mandates strict obligations for digital platforms and internet service providers, establishes a Child Digital Safety Council, and outlines caregiver responsibilities, aligning with the UAE's 2026 'Year of Family' initiative.
