The article undertakes an exploration into the rather unexpected progressiveness exhibited by courts across the globe in bestowing protection upon LGBTQ rights. A three-pronged study, which encompasses an examination of the theoretical rationales, empirical investigations, and doctrinal underpinnings of the augmentation of LGBTQ rights in diverse locales, is executed. It is hypothesized that a prima facie paradox emerges, whereby LGBTQ rights have been safeguarded and advanced in an extraordinary fashion, while concurrently, a discernible general trend of deviation from liberal constitutionalism, rights safeguarding mechanisms, and the rule of law is observable in other arenas. This article scrutinizes this contention and discovers that it is substantiated by case law from various regions. Critical theory and Butler’s theory of performativity potentially offer the most cogent explanations for this paradox. They have led to the social embrace of LGBTQ rights, while simultaneously, the enactment or amplification of these rights even in illiberal states furnishes an effortless ‘triumph’ for illiberal political actors, which can be employed as a countermeasure against assaults on their liberal and democratic reputations.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) have gained spotlighted attention in the recent past and has experienced exponential advancements. This research focuses on UAV-based data acquisition and processing to generate highly accurate outputs pertaining to orthomosaic imagery, elevation, surface and terrain models. The study addresses the challenges inherent in the generation and analysis of orthomosaic images, particularly the critical need for correction and enhancement to ensure precise application in fields like detailed mapping and continuous monitoring. To achieve superior image quality and precision, the study applies advanced image processing techniques encompassing Fuzzy Logic and edge-detection techniques. The study emphasizes on the necessity of an approach for countering the loss of information while mapping the UAV deliverables. By offering insights into both the challenges and solutions related to orthomosaic image processing, this research lays the groundwork for future applications that promise to further increase the efficiency and effectiveness of UAV-based methods in geomatics, as well as in broader fields such as engineering and environmental management.

South Africa’s border posts are increasingly becoming crucial hubs for organized crime posing serious national and regional security implications with far-reaching consequences. The country’s national security, economic stability, and community safety are significantly jeopardised by organised criminal enterprises at border posts. As a result, the porous borders of South Africa have fostered an environment that is conducive to a variety of unlawful activities, such as the smuggling of drugs into the country and human trafficking. This paper seeks to identify political, economic, and social factors that lead to organised crime, corruption, and weak border management systems. The paper employed a secondary data analysis of existing scholarly articles, government reports as well as relevant case studies. The study found that local communities are most affected by illegal activities at the ports of entry. The findings further emphasize the importance of inclusive approaches in responding to security challenges that address cross-border flow regulation, fight corruption in service delivery, and promote community resilience. The paper concludes with recommendations for strengthening border controls towards enhancing cooperation between countries and curbing transnational crime networks.

Extensive research on pro-environmental behaviour (PEB) reveals a significant knowledge gap in understanding the influence of social class, perceived status and the middling tendency on pro-environmental behaviour. Using the International Social Survey Programme Environment dataset, and conducting multilevel mixed-effects linear regressions, we find that the middling tendency and biased status perceptions significantly influences pro-environmental behaviour. Those who deflate their social position have higher pro-environmental behavior and this reinforces the idea that pro-environmental behaviour is driven by a post-materialist effect rather than a status enhancement effect. Moreover, the objective middle class is still a stronger contributor to higher PEB levels compared to subjective middle class. We also find the relation between class, status and PEB vary by country. These findings provide vital insights into the intricate and heterogenous dynamics between class, status and pro-environmental behaviour among different countries and shed light on class and status as driving forces behind pro-environmental behaviour.

The article is devoted to formulation of theoretical principles and practical recommendations regarding organization and planning of the investigation of criminal offenses in the field of economic activity, which are committed with the participation (assistance) of law enforcement officers. The methodology for the article is chosen taking into account the purpose and tasks, object and subject matter of the study. The research results were obtained with the help of the following methods: dialectical; formal and logical; formal and legal; comparative and legal; historical and legal, complex analysis; analysis and synthesis; axiomatic; system and structural method. The obtained results of the study indicated that organization and planning of the investigation of criminal acts under consideration is a purposeful activity of the authorized bodies, which is carried out under the guidance of the investigator, detective of the pre-trial investigation body. These activities require systematic, comprehensive approach and must take into account a wide range of circumstances that can affect the process and results of the investigation: the nature of the criminal offense, access to the necessary financial, human and technical resources; the competence of the investigator, the detective; terms and deadlines for investigation and presenting materials to the court, establishing effective cooperation between competent authorities. The study highlights the peculiarities of the organization and planning of the investigation of criminal offenses in economic activities, when law enforcement officers are involved, and suggests directions for improving the effectiveness of their implementation.