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Shark fin export has officially been suspended after Marine Affairs and Fishery Minister Susi Pudjiastuti issued on December 10, 2014, Regulation No. 59/2014 regarding a ban on hammerhead and oceanic whitetip sharks until November 2015. It had since been extended with Marine Affairs and Fishery Ministry Regulation No. 34/2015, which is effective until December 31, 2016.

According to Agus, Indonesia was the world’s largest shark fin exporter. In 2012, for example, Indonesia exported 434 tons of shark fin worth over US$6 million, the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) recorded.

He said that the ministry has joined hands with researchers to count the number of endangered shark species left in Indonesia. The regulation about the ban on export and hunting will be based on the outcome of the research. Despite the export ban, hunting and trade of certain shark species for domestic consumption are still allowed.

Avriel Benjamin “Avi” Kaplan announced today (May 12) via an emotional Facebook video that he is leaving Pentatonix. In the video, he is accompanied by the rest of the a capella group, Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, and Kevin Olusola, who support his decision in solemn silence.

Avi, the Pentatonix bass vocalist, plans to appear in the last batch of shows for the act. Info for the performances is available at ptxofficial.com/tour.

During his heartfelt goodbye, Avi explains, “It’s been extremely hard for me to not be able to see my family or friends when I need to or when they need to see me. It’s been hard for me to just escape to nature when I’m feeling overwhelmed or when I just need time for myself.”

He thanks Pentatonix fans in the message, saying it comes directly from his heart. Aca-scuse us while we wipe away our tears.

Ever wondered how Earth Day started? This observance arose from an interest in gathering national support for environmental issues.

In 1970, San Francisco activist John McConnell and Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson separately asked Americans to join in a grassroots demonstration. McConnell chose the spring equinox (March 21, 1970) and Nelson chose April 22.

Millions of people participated, and today Earth Day continues to be widely celebrated with events on both dates.

The most common practice of celebration is to plant new trees for Earth Day.

Move over Big Mac — the Nutella burger is coming for your delicious throne.

McDonald’s Italy announced the new menu item last week on the company’s Facebook page. Called the “Sweety con Nutella,” the yummy treat includes two sweet rolls filled with the popular hazelnut spread. (And no, there is no meat is in this burger.)

According to Fortune.com, McDonald’s has already introduced an unusual chocolate food item to their menu. In January, the company started serving the “McChoco Potato” — fries topped with chocolate sauce — in Japan for a limited time.

Four years after releasing Prism, Katy Perry has announced her new album,Witness. Due June 9 via Capitol, it will feature the low-key subversive pop song "Chained To The Rhythm" as well as her collaboration with Migos, "Bon Appétit." You can watch Perry get served up in a fancy restaurant before the video takes a dark turn below.

Perry also announced a North American tour, and, if you've seen or heard anything about her live shows, it will be an absolute-bonkers spectacle. Each ticket purchased comes with a copy of Witness, plus some proceeds of ticket sales will go to the Boys & Girls Club of America.

In the United States, Mother's Day is celebrated on the second Sunday of May. In some countries it was changed to dates that were significant to the majority religion, or to historical dates.

In most Arab countries, Mother's Day is always celebrated on the 21st of March, which is the Spring equinox.

In the United Kingdom and Ireland, Mother's Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday in Lent (Mothering Sunday).