oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | government, government regulations, news, politics, politics and government
Elena Lasconi, the presidential candidate and head of the pro-reform Save Romania Union (USR) opposition party, stated that it would be highly beneficial for the government to close down TikTok prior to the upcoming presidential elections in May.
During her visit to Slatina, which is located in southern Romania, Lasconi expressed these views. She also mentioned that the widely used Chinese social network would be temporarily shut down to avoid external interference.
“If we cannot get such assurances from them, I think it would be wise to close it for at least one or two weeks prior to the presidential elections and then restart operations,” Lasconi stated to reporters.
The contender who secured the second position in the
canceled presidential elections scheduled for 2024
, barely edging out Social Democratic Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu, stated that “incompetence” has led Romania to a critical juncture where shutting down TikTok would be necessary.
“I am an advocate for free speech and democratic principles, however, considering the potential risks posed by both governmental and non-governmental interference, which has been brought to our attention, I think we can proceed with making this decision,” stated Elena Lasconi during a press briefing, according to reports.
Agerpres
.
Lasconi additionally mentioned that false information spreads unchecked on TikTok, and he pointed out that the nine government bodies responsible for safeguarding the digital space are not fulfilling their duties effectively.
“We have specific proposals, such as a legislative initiative presented to Parliament, which mandates that false information must be removed within a maximum of 15 minutes, and content with potential manipulation should not reach more than 150 individuals. Although there is a proposed bill, I notice that it remains untouched in a drawer,” she said.
Other political leaders in Romania have repeatedly rejected banning the popular social media platform, which has amassed around 9 million users in Romania, roughly 47% of the population. Experts say Romania is especially vulnerable to fake news, as it has the lowest digital literacy skills in the EU, at around 1 in 2, compared to the Union average of 71%.
radu@romania-insider.com
(Photo source: Inquam Photos | Adriana Neagoe)
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | disability, government regulations, news, social security, social welfare
Two individuals suffering from Multiple Sclerosis (MS) have informed LIFEHACK that they find the government’s proposals to change disability benefits utterly terrifying.
The administration intends to
alter the qualifying conditions for Personal Independence Payment (PIP)
As part of its changes aimed at saving £5 billion.
PIP is provided to individuals in England and Wales who struggle with daily activities or mobility due to an ongoing physical or mental health issue.
Phoebe Day, hailing from Alton in Hampshire, stated that the advantage provided was like “a lifeline for individuals struggling amidst the chaotic circumstances of dealing with a disability.”
Ms. Day, who is in her thirties, works for a nonprofit organization, but her multiple sclerosis and extreme tiredness have led her to reduce her work hours.
“MS is making every effort to strip my career away from me, but I’m holding onto it tightly,” she shared with the LIFEHACK.
If I were to lose PIP, I’d have to work an additional day, which would eventually exhaust me to the point where I likely couldn’t work anymore.
She charged the government with attempting to take away PIP from individuals with disabilities.
“PIP is not a luxury. It is an essential requirement, and the thought of losing it is both frightening and destabilizing,” she said additionally.
As per the government’s proposals, the conditions required to qualify for this benefit will become more stringent starting November 2026, which could lead to decreased payouts for numerous recipients.
Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall stated that the government will not “hesitate to make the choices they deem necessary to provide chances for individuals capable of working,” while simultaneously ensuring “support for those unable to do so.”
She mentioned that these modifications would guarantee “reliability and equity within the social security framework, ensuring it remains accessible for current needs as well as future requirements.”
However, pensioner John Stainton, who is also from Hampshire, questioned, “Why do people with a diagnosed disability face so much stress and strain?”
Sure, it’s crucial for individuals to seek their own sense of purpose and accomplishment, indeed. However, we must also ensure that there is a support system in place to guaranteedisabled peopleare well taken care of.
Mr Stainton, who also suffers from MS, had to retire in his early 60s because of poor health.
Initially denied Personal Independence Payment (PIP), he ultimately succeeded in overturning the decision through legal action against the Department for Work and Pensions.
He stated that the advantage “simply implies I won’t have to concern myself with expending additional resources on minor aspects that enhance my overall well-being.”
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More on this story
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Overview: Major modifications to benefits within the welfare reform
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Benefits crackdown unveiled with aim to save £5bn a year by 2030
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What are the Pip and universal credit changes and who is affected?
oleh admin | Mar 24, 2025 | affordable housing, economics, government regulations, public policy, social issues
A report from BuyLetLive indicates that the lack of regulatory encouragement for producing construction materials locally is worsening the housing crisis.
The statement also noted that Nigeria still depends significantly on imported building supplies, making the sector susceptible to fluctuations in currency values and worldwide increases in prices. It suggested that producing items like tiles, roof sheeting, and concrete locally might aid in steadying expenses and enhancing cost-effectiveness gradually.
The report indicates that the Nigerian government has introduced multiple policies designed to improve housing affordability.
It read, “Initiatives like the Family Homes Fund and the National Housing Fund were designed to provide financing options for low- and middle-income earners. However, these programmes face significant challenges, including limited funding, bureaucratic delays, and a lack of transparency.”
The report further highlighted that inflation has exacerbated the difficulties faced by households in affording homes within the housing market.
The statement went on to say, “Increasing mortgage rates and rising property values have surpassed wage increases, leading numerous households to either downscale their living spaces, postpone buying homes, or grapple with higher rent expenses. Inflation has prompted a significant change in housing choices. Individuals with middle and lower incomes are now leaning towards acquiring smaller, cost-effective residences like studios or opting for communal living situations.”
Demand for housing in suburban and peri-urban areas is also growing, as these locations typically offer lower rents and purchase prices compared to city centres.
Once a pillar of Nigeria’s high-end real estate sector, upscale residential properties are now facing sluggish sales due to a reduction in the number of wealthy purchasers. Real estate developers who were primarily concentrated on luxury homes are starting to expand their portfolios to incorporate middle-income and affordable housing alternatives to align with shifting consumer preferences.
The report highlighted that inflation became a crucial element influencing economic and social conditions in Nigeria.
The passage continued, “During 2024, the ongoing rise in inflation underscored the intricate interplay among several economic elements such as fiscal measures, monetary strategies, exchange rates, and global trade patterns. Currency volatility represented one of the key economic hurdles encountered by the nation in 2024. The naira experienced a substantial depreciation of 24.3 percent relative to the U.S. dollar, dropping from an initial exchange rate of N1,413 for $1 at the beginning of the year to N1,757 for $1 by late November—a peak point not seen in more than twenty years, reported the National Bureau of Statistics.”
The continuous increase has exerted substantial pressure on households, businesses, and various sectors, particularly the real estate industry. With rising costs of products and services, the demand for housing has been significantly disrupted. Factors such as higher construction expenses, reduced affordability, and changing consumer preferences have all contributed to inflation’s deep and varied effects on Nigeria’s housing sector. This escalation in inflation exacerbated financial difficulties for households within the housing market. Increasing mortgage rates coupled with soaring property values surpassed income gains, leading numerous families to either downscale their living arrangements, postpone buying homes, or grapple with heightened rental fees.
Although inflation was a substantial hurdle, it simultaneously created chances for advancement within Nigeria’s real estate sector. Builders are progressively embracing money-saving innovations like modular building techniques and pre-fabricated components. Such approaches help cut down both construction periods and expenses without compromising quality benchmarks. Additionally, eco-friendly power options including solar panels are becoming more popular as means to lower tenant and homeowner utility expenditures. Trends towards buildings with high-energy efficiency ratings along with intelligent residential tech features are also surfacing, aiding in luring purchasers and renters interested in reducing their long-run energy outlays.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
oleh admin | Mar 23, 2025 | education, government, government regulations, indonesia, news
Lifehack My ID
Proses serta ketentuan untuk menerima beasiswa dari Kementerian Agama.
Peserta yang berhak mendapatkan beasiswa dari Kementerian Agama perlu memahami ketentuan untuk mendaftar dalam program Beasiswa Indonesia Bangkit (BIB) Tahun 2025.
Sekretariat Jenderal Kemenag melalui Pusat Pembiayaan Pendidikan Agama dan Pendidikan Keagamaan (Puspenma) akan segera mengadakan pendaftaran untuk BIB 2025.
Pernyataan itu dikirimkan oleh Sekretaris Jenderal Prof Phil Kamaruddin Amin, M.A., Ph.D di Jakarta pada hari Kamis tanggal 20 Maret 2025.
“Kabar mengenai registrasi BIB 2025 akan disampaikan pada tanggal 21 Maret 2025. Sedangkan proses pendaftarannya baru dibuka sejak 1 April 2025,” jelas Kamaruddin Amin seperti yang tercatat di situs web Kemennag pada hari Jumat, 21 Maret 2025.
Menurut penjelasan Kamaruddin Amin, BIB adalah program beasiswa yang berkolaborasi antara Kementerian Agama dan Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan (LPDP) di bawah Kementerian Keuangan Republik Indonesia.
Tujuan utamanya adalah memperbaiki kemampuan sumber daya manusia dalam lingkup Kementerian Agama terutama di tiga sektor: ilmu pengetahuan dan teknologi, studi sosial-humaniora, serta bidang keagamaan.
“Tujuan kami adalah menyediakan peluang sebesar-besarnya bagi publik agar dapat mengikuti pendidikan tingkat tinggi, entah di dalam negri atau pun mancanegara, tanpa adanya hambatan dari segi finansial,” tambahnya.
Selanjutnya, Kamaruddin Amin menyatakan bahwa Kementerian Agama berencana mencari kandidat penerima beasiswa (Awardee) yang ingin melanjutkan pendidikan hingga ke tingkat S1, S2, dan S3 baik di dalam maupun luar negeri dengan program pembiayaan sepenuhnya tercakup.
Jenis Beasiswa
Saat itu, Kepala Puspenma Kemenag, Ruchman Basori menyebut bahwa calon peserta bisa menentukan tipe beasiswa yang tersedia.
Terdapat tiga macam beasiswa yaitu beasiswa umum, beasiswa berprestasi, serta beasiswa terfokus.
-
Beasiswa umum merupakan program bantuan pendidikan biasa yang ditujukan untuk anggota lingkungan internal Kementerian Agama, termasuk pelajar pondok pesantren, sekolah, universitas, guru-guru, ustaz, pengajar, karyawan di bidang pendidikan agama, serta staf dari Kementerian Agama itu sendiri. Hal ini juga mencakup para lulusan pendidikan keagamaan.
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Beasiswa prestasi merupakan program bantuan keuangan untuk para kandidat yang telah mencapai pencapaian dalam bidang akademis maupun non-akademis seperti hafalan Al-Qur’an atau menjadi juara di Olimpiade, baik pada skala nasional ataupun internasional.
-
Beasiswanya ditujukan sebagai bentuk afirmasi lewat Program PBSB atau Beasiswa Santri Berprestasi serta program Pendidikan Jarak Jauh S1 di UIN Siber Syekh Nurjati Cirebon (UIN SSC).
Ketentuan Pendaftaran Beasiswa Indonesia Bangkit Tahun 2025
Para kandidat yang ingin mendaftar dimohon untuk mempersiapkan berbagai dokumen penting, termasuk beberapa di antaranya adalah sebagai berikut:
Keterampilan dalam Bahasa Inggris (TOEFL) ataupun Bahasa Arab (TOAFL);
Usia paling lama adalah 40 tahun bagi program S2 dan 45 tahun untuk program S3.
Mempunyai diploma atau sertifikat kelulusan;
Sebagai bagian dari keluarga besar Departemen Agama Republik Indonesia;
Melengkapi persyaratan administrasi lainnya.
Akhirnya, Ruchman Basori mendorong seluruh anggota dari keluarga besar Kemenag (termasuk santri, pelajar, mahasiswa, guru, ustaz, dosen, staf kependidikan, serta alumni program pendidikan agama dan pekerja di Kementerian Agama) agar mengeksplorasi manfaat dari kesempatan istimewa yang ada.
Pelamar diminta untuk segera mengumpulkan berkas-berkas yang diperlukan supaya dapat melakukan registrasi secara tepat waktu menurut ketentuan serta prosedurnya. Informasi lebih lanjut tentang hal ini tersedia di situs web resmi.
beasiswa.kemenag.go.id
.
(Tribunnews.com/Latifah)
