In most parts of the world, red lipstick is considered a symbol of confidence and fashion, but there is one country where this color can become the root of trouble. Here makeup is not just a question of beauty, but an issue related to ideology and politics. Breaking the rules carries the risk of interrogation, punishment and even detention. The question arises that how did lipstick become such a big crime for a country?

Which country made a unique rule?

North Korea is counted among the countries with the most closed and strict rules in the world. Here the government even controls the dress, hairstyle and make-up of the citizens. The rules made especially for women are very strict. Red lipstick is considered a symbol of Western culture and capitalism here, which is considered against the ideology of the state. For this reason, there is an unofficial but strict ban on red or dark lipstick.

Why is red color the target?

North Korea’s government ideology is based on collectivism, simplicity and complete loyalty to the state. Red lipstick is associated with personal attractiveness, glamor and western influence. The government led by Kim Jong-un believes that such makeup promotes individualism among the youth, which could become a threat to state control. Therefore, here even cosmetics are examined from a political perspective.

What do the rules and behavior say?

Officially, women are allowed to wear only light colored lipsticks and limited make-up, that too with locally made cosmetics. Foreign brands, dark colors and excessive make-up are considered against the rules. Special monitoring teams are deployed to enforce these rules, which are generally called fashion police. These teams keep an eye on the dress and make-up of women on the streets, colleges and public places.

What can be the punishment for violation?

The nature of punishment if caught using red lipstick or prohibited make-up depends on the circumstances. In many cases a warning or fine is imposed, while serious or repeated violators may face questioning, public reprimand, corrective labor or temporary detention. According to human rights organizations, punishments are often handed down without a transparent legal process.

No makeup, a symbol of control

The ban on makeup in North Korea is not just a matter of beauty, but it is part of the government’s social control. Just as a fixed list of hairstyles is given, similarly make-up should also be within the approved limits of the state. Experts believe that such rules are a way to maintain uniformity towards power by limiting the individual identity of people.

Also read: Because of this leader, RAW’s secret mission was leaked, many agents were martyred in Pakistan!

Former Prime Minister of Australia Tony Abbott has praised India. He said that the 21st century is India’s century, and the Prime Minister of India can lead the world in the coming four to five decades. Abbott said India is now emerging as a global power and should play its role as a democratic power in the Asia-Pacific region vis-à-vis China, as well as become a strong and reliable partner of Australia.

India got the responsibility of global role
Tony Abbott said that the free trade agreements that India has signed with Australia (2022) and Britain (2024) are an indication that the democratic world is now distancing itself from China. He also talked about India’s relations with China, Pakistan and America and said that Delhi holds the key to stopping Beijing’s ambition of ‘world domination’. He said that China wants to dominate and this is an alarm bell for all its neighbours.

India’s 3 big advantages over China
At the NDTV World Summit 2025 on Friday, Abbott said that India is emerging as a strong counterbalance to China. India is now the most populous country in the world and big infrastructure projects are going on across the country, with new airports, roads and development works, India is progressing rapidly. He said that India has three big strengths – democracy, rule of law, knowledge of English language. On their strength, India is preparing to take the same economic and military flight which China had achieved a few decades ago. He said, ‘When I was Prime Minister, I used to say that India will emerge as a democratic superpower’.

Abbott warned that China’s aggressive policy regarding Taiwan should not be taken lightly. He said that democratic countries will have to be prepared for this danger. He said, ‘The best way is not to pretend that China has peaceful intentions, but to tell it every day that it cannot get away with such intrusions. Weakness itself becomes the reason for provocation. Referring to the Korean War, he said that the situation could worsen, so all countries should together ensure the security of Taiwan.

Trump’s mistake on America and India
Abbott said that US President Donald Trump made a mistake by imposing 25% tax on India’s purchase of Russian oil. He said, ‘I am a supporter of Trump, but he took a wrong step with India, while countries like China were buying more oil and no such tax was imposed on them.’ He also added that America made a big strategic mistake during the Cold War by supporting Pakistan instead of India. He said, ‘Pakistan is basically a military society, while India is a strong democracy. America should understand who its real and trustworthy friends are.

Usa news: The US has decided to abolish its financial assistance for Gavi, an organization supporting vaccine programs in poor countries. According to a report by The Times, a 281 -page spreadsheet has listed thousands of foreign aid programs by the Trump administration. This decision is being considered a major setback for that global effort, which has saved the lives of millions of children in the last 25 years.

Under this decision of the Trump administration, many major programs being run to deal with malaria will also be cut. However, it is planned to continue some grants related to the treatment of HIV and TB. The US agency US Agency for International Development (USAID) recently submitted a 281 -page report to the Congress, giving a list of foreign aid projects that will continue and shut down.

75 million children will not get medicine

It has become clear from these files that the US is now limiting its role in global health and humanitarian aid. According to the report, the Trump administration has decided to discontinue 5,341 foreign aid projects, while only 898 projects will be continued. The biggest impact of this decision will have on Gavi, which supplies necessary vaccines to poor countries around the world.

According to the organization’s estimate, 75 million children will not be able to get regular vaccination in the next five years, due to which 1.2 million children may be at risk. Gavi Executive Officer Dr. Sania Dishnar has described this decision as a serious threat not only for developing countries but also for global health safety.

Opposition to the decision is happening

Cyra Leone’s Health Minister Dr. Austin Dembi expressed deep concern over this decision and said that this is not just an administrative decision, but it will endanger the lives of children. He said that without the help of Gavi, his country will be unable to supply the vaccines required for diseases like MPOx. Dr. Dambi appealed to the US administration to reconsider the decision.

Confirming the decision, the US State Department said that every assistance grant was personally reviewed, and where it was not found in line with the policies and national interests of the administration, it was abolished. However, the funding of many health programs is approved by the US Congress, making it not legally clear whether the administration has the right to stop them. Many legal challenges are being raised against this decision.

Gavi’s threat to financial crisis

So far, Gavi, who saved the lives of 19 million children, may be in serious financial crisis due to this decision of America. America contributed 13% of the total budget of this organization and became its biggest donor during the Covid-19 epidemic. On the other hand, there is already economic pressure on major economies like European countries and Japan, due to which they are also cutting their foreign aid. As such, Gavi will have to find new financial sources to continue his campaign.