North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK), is a country shrouded in secrecy.

Run by the Kim family for generations, the government maintains strict control over its citizens’ lives. This control extends to many aspects of everyday life, with even seemingly harmless activities being banned or heavily restricted.

Here are ten such examples and the reasons behind these restrictions:

1. Unrestricted access to the internet

Imagine a world without Google, social media, or even online news. In North Korea, access to the global internet is tightly controlled by the government. Citizens have access to a heavily censored internal network, but connecting to the outside world is strictly prohibited. The government fears the spread of information that might challenge its authority.

2. South Korean media

Korea maintains a tense relationship with its southern neighbour, South Korea. As a result, all forms of South Korean media, including movies, music, and TV shows, are banned. The government worries that exposure to South Korean culture could weaken its control and spark ideas of unification.

3. Freedom of movement

North Koreans don’t have the freedom to travel freely within their own country, let alone abroad. Internal movement is restricted, and citizens need permits to travel between cities. Leaving the country is nearly impossible for ordinary citizens. The government fears defection and the spread of information about life outside North Korea.

4. Freedom of religion

While North Korea officially allows for freedom of religion, in reality, it’s heavily restricted. The government promotes a personality cult around the Kim family, and citizens are expected to show absolute loyalty. Religious practices that could compete with this loyalty are discouraged or even banned.

5. Unrestricted cell phones

Mobile phone use is increasing in North Korea, but it’s heavily monitored. Phones typically only allow calls and texts within the country’s internal network. Accessing foreign content or making international calls is strictly prohibited.

6. Certain hairstyles and clothing

North Korea has strict regulations on appearance. Men’s haircuts are limited to a few approved styles, and dyed hair is forbidden. Women’s clothing is expected to be modest and knee-length. These restrictions aim to promote social conformity and discourage individuality.

7. Smiling for pictures sometimes

While North Koreans do smile, there are times when public displays of happiness are discouraged, particularly during periods of mourning or hardship. Images of past leaders are treated with utmost reverence, and sombre expressions are expected during visits to memorials. However, during celebrations and official events, enthusiastic smiles are encouraged.

8. Jeans and other Western clothing

Jeans and other Western clothing styles are often associated with American culture, which the North Korean government demonises. While some Western styles might be tolerated in major cities, wearing them can attract unwanted attention from authorities, especially outside of urban areas.

9. Private businesses

The North Korean economy is centrally controlled by the government. Private businesses are largely banned, and most citizens work for state-owned enterprises. This limits economic opportunities and discourages individual initiative.

10. Criticism of the government

The most serious offence on this list is any criticism of the government or the Kim family. North Koreans are expected to show absolute loyalty to their leaders. Even a whisper of dissent can lead to severe consequences, including imprisonment in labour camps for the offender and their extended family.

Consequences for breaking the rules

Punishments for violating these restrictions can vary depending on the severity of the offence. Minor infractions might result in fines or public humiliation. More serious offences, such as watching South Korean media or attempting to flee the country, can lead to imprisonment in harsh labour camps, or even execution.

Why these restrictions exist
The North Korean government justifies these restrictions as being necessary to maintain national security and social order.

They fear the spread of information that could challenge their authority or lead to calls for reform. However, these restrictions severely limit the freedoms of North Korean citizens and paint a picture of a country where basic human rights are not respected.

United States President Joe Biden has said there is nothing that would make him consider quitting the presidential race.

After a shaky performance at the presidential debate with former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump, on June 27, there have been calls for Biden to step aside.

Some US voters, political analysts and stakeholders have also expressed concerns over the president’s health and mental alertness after the debate.

Speaking in an interview with ABC News on Friday, Biden said only the “Lord Almighty” would convince him to drop his re-election bid.

He said, “I mean if the Lord Almighty came down and said, ‘Joe, get outta the race’, I would get outta the race. The Lord Almighty’s not coming down. I mean, these hypotheticals.

“I don’t think anybody is more qualified to be president or win this race than me.

“Look, I’m running again because I think I understand best what has to be done to take this nation to a completely new level. We are on our way. We are on our way.”

Biden also dismissed criticisms that he is too old and feeble to run for president for a second time, after the White House said he is not backing down from the race despite growing concerns.

“I see all these stories that say I am too old.. was I too old to create 15 million jobs? Was I too old to erase student debt for five million Americans? Do you think I’m too old to beat Donald Trump?” he asked.

Keir Starmer, the newly elected prime minister of the United Kingdom (UK), has named members of his cabinet hours after his Labour Party recorded a landslide victory on Friday in the polls.

With 11 women, the first Labour cabinet in 14 years has the highest number of female ministers in UK history.

Angela Rayner was named deputy prime minister, while Rachel Reeves became finance minister, making her the first female UK chancellor ever.

David Lammy, the foreign secretary, is the only black minister in Starmer’s government. He replaces the Conservatives’ David Cameron as Britain’s top diplomat.

Yvette Cooper was also appointed as interior minister in charge of the Home Office.

Other appointees include Bridget Philippson as education secretary; Ed Miliband as energy secretary; Liz Kendall as works and pension secretary; Wes Streeting as health secretary; Lisa Nandy as culture minister; and Jonathan Reynolds as business and trade secretary.

In its manifesto, Labour said its top priorities are providing economic stability, cutting NHS waiting times, stopping smuggling, setting up an energy firm, and recruiting more police and teachers.

The party has also made pledges to change the voting age to 16, nationalise passenger railways, fix an extra million potholes in England, build new prisons, push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, build 1.5 million new homes, and cancel the controversial Rwanda migration scheme.

Starmer vowed that his administration would deliver on its promises.

This rapid formation of the government stands in stark contrast to the extended process often seen in other countries, where it can take months for a new administration to finalise its cabinet.

President Bola Tinubu named his cabinet members in August 2023, three months after he assumed office.