Bolivia has passed a new law lowering the legal working age from 14 to 10. The International Labour Organization has set a minimum working age of 14 for developing countries. However, over half of all children working in Bolivia are under 14. Many clean shoes or sell food but others face harsh conditions in mining or agriculture. Under the law, from age 10, children can work with parental supervision. From age 12, they can work under the terms of a normal contract. The law also states the children must attend school and includes stricter punishments for violence against children. The new law goes against international efforts to abolish child labor. However, in reality, many Bolivian children already work to help their families survive. The situation is only likely to improve after fundamental changes to Bolivia’s economy.

The Japanese government has created a new public holiday called Mountain Day, to be celebrated from 2016. The introduction of the holiday follows lobbying by the Japanese Alpine Club and other groups. According to these organizations, Japan’s mountains are an important part of its culture and should be recognized. The legislation required for the holiday was supported by both government and opposition parties. However, politicians may have more practical reasons for backing the law. Many office workers tend not to take time off even if they have a paid vacation. National holidays make it easier for them to take leave from work. The Abe government has said it wishes to improve the work-life balance of employees. Previous administrations have also promoted limits on overtime. From 2016, Japan will have 16 national holidays, the most of any G8 country.

US researchers have found a large drop in obesity among two to five year olds over the past decade. According to the report, the obesity rate for the group has dropped from 14 to eight percent. Researchers are unsure about the reasons for the surprising trend. However, other surveys have shown families are buying lower calorie foods. The US government has also been steadily promoting the consumption of fruits and vegetables. First Lady Michelle Obama has welcomed the result. She recently celebrated the fourth anniversary of her Let’s Move initiative. The ambitious program is designed to improve nutrition and exercise among children. While around one-third of US adults are currently obese, the finding provides hope for the future. Studies show overweight three to five year olds are five times more likely to become overweight adults.