All articles tagged with #government action
Learner drivers face a 24-week wait for practical driving tests due to a backlog caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with delays expected to persist until November 2027. The backlog has led to increased costs for test slots, exploitation by third-party sellers, and frustration among learners. The government and DVSA are taking measures, including hiring more examiners and restricting third-party bookings, to address the issue.
Dame Louise Casey advocates for a 'national reset' on grooming gangs, urging swift government action and a comprehensive inquiry into child sexual exploitation, emphasizing transparency, data collection, and accountability, amidst political debates and calls for a unified approach.
The American Bankers Association (ABA) is calling for federal intervention to combat the rising issue of online financial scams, which resulted in $10 billion in losses last year. Banks and the federal government are at odds, with banks urging the government to implement a national strategy and create new offices to tackle fraud, while the government wants banks to take more responsibility for compensating scam victims. The ABA suggests measures like updating fraud laws and creating a database of spam texts to help monitor and educate on scam trends.
A United Nations global survey of over 75,000 people from 77 countries reveals that a vast majority are concerned about climate change and want their governments to take stronger action. The poll, which included marginalized groups, shows that 80% of respondents support increased commitments to address climate change, with even higher support in poorer and vulnerable countries. Additionally, 86% of participants advocate for international cooperation on the issue.
The chief executive of the Royal Society of Public Health has stated that obesity is now a disease of poverty, marking a significant shift from the past when it was associated with wealth. The disparity in obesity rates between England's most deprived and richest areas has been attributed to the rising cost of healthy foods and the prevalence of junk food options in poorer neighborhoods. With two-thirds of British adults now overweight and a quarter obese, the obesity crisis is estimated to cost the nation nearly £100 billion per year, prompting calls for government action and the development of new drugs to tackle the issue.
The Supreme Court unanimously ruled that public officials can block constituents on personal social media accounts unless they are speaking on behalf of the government, settling a dispute that arose during the Trump administration. The court emphasized that the key question is whether the alleged censorship relates to an issue within the employee's responsibility. The cases were sent back to lower courts for further review based on the ruling. This decision is one of several expected this term to address free speech rights in the digital age, including challenges to laws in Texas and Florida regarding content moderation on social media platforms.
"Shrinkflation," the practice of reducing product sizes while maintaining prices, has been a long-standing tactic by manufacturers, but it's now under increased scrutiny as inflation and higher food prices draw attention to the issue. Even Cookie Monster has voiced his frustration on social media. President Biden has pledged to sign a bill banning shrinkflation, reflecting growing consumer discontent over paying more for less.
Japan's birth rate has hit a record low, with 758,631 babies born in 2023, marking a 5.1% decrease from the previous year. Factors contributing to the decline include a drop in married couples, disinterest in having children among unmarried individuals, and economic concerns. The government has expressed urgency in addressing the issue, as Japan's population is expected to decrease by 30% to 87 million by 2070, posing national security and economic challenges. Similar declining birth rate trends are observed in China, South Korea, and the U.S., with global fertility rates below the replacement level.
A study warns that tens of thousands of children in England who became overweight or obese during the pandemic could face lifelong health consequences, with obesity rates rising sharply among 10- and 11-year-olds and not returning to pre-pandemic levels. Researchers emphasize the need for measures aimed at children under five to tackle childhood obesity, as well as wider engagement and government funding to narrow the gap in health outcomes between advantaged and disadvantaged communities. The study also highlights the potential economic costs of additional people living with obesity as a result of the pandemic, estimating it could eventually cost the UK economy more than £8bn in total.
Actor Idris Elba calls for a ban on machetes and serrated "zombie" knives in the UK to combat the rising issue of knife crime, particularly among young people, following a spate of teen killings. He also urges accountability for tech companies regarding knife imagery on mobile phones. The government has announced a ban on such knives, but it has yet to be approved by Parliament. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's spokesman acknowledges the devastating impact of knife crime and expresses a commitment to doing more to address the issue.
Scientists funded by the Bezos Earth Fund warn in a new report that the Earth is rapidly approaching irreversible planetary changes due to global warming. They identify five natural systems at risk of crossing "tipping points" that could trigger catastrophic global changes, with three more at risk in the 2030s. The report calls for urgent government action, including phasing out fossil fuels and land-use emissions by 2050, incentivizing renewable energy and electric vehicles, and implementing mandates in high-emitting sectors. The scientists emphasize the need to trigger positive tipping points to transform society and prevent further damage.
New Delhi, the world's most polluted megacity, is grappling with severe air pollution that is costing residents an average of 12 years of life compared to World Health Organization standards. Despite efforts by the local government, including incentivizing electric vehicle purchases and implementing real-time monitoring stations, the city's pollution problem continues to worsen due to rapid growth and new sources of pollution. The lack of coordinated action between the federal and state governments, along with the perception that air pollution is an elite issue, hinders progress. The harmful impacts of air pollution, such as strokes, heart attacks, and cognitive decline, are not immediately noticeable, making it difficult to develop and enforce effective policies. Residents continue to suffer from the health consequences, with children experiencing respiratory issues and adults seeking medical help.
France is seeking to ban ultra-right groups in an effort to quell racial tensions. The government is taking action to address the rise of extremist ideologies and prevent the spread of hate speech. The move comes as part of broader efforts to combat racism and discrimination in the country.
A German activist group, Letzte Generation, disrupted the start of the second Berlin Eprix on Sunday by climbing the debris fence on the main straight and attempting to sit on the grid. The group, who describe themselves as "climate justice activists," is calling for increased government action to protect citizens from the impact of climate change. The delayed race was eventually won by Envision driver Nick Cassidy.