By News from Elsewhere... ...media reports from around the world, found by BBC Monitoring

The Russian parliament's lower house has passed a bill that bans swearing from films, music and other works of art, it's been reported.

The measure would impose fines for swearing in films, plays, concerts and shows, the Itar-Tass news agency reports . In addition, members of the public could face penalties of up to 2,500 roubles (£42; $70) for swearing in public and officials would have to pay double.

The bill says a panel of experts will decide exactly what counts as a swear word. If the measure is approved by the upper house, it will be signed into law by President Vladimir Putin and take effect on 1 July 2014.