Author: Ethan Johnson

An Indian diaspora think tank has called on the US to reject its religious freedom report on India.Washington: Noting that USCIRF's recent annual report, which criticized India for alleged violations of religious freedom, was based on omissions and fabrication of facts with partial data, India's diaspora think tank It called on the State Department to reject the report.The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) in its annual report on Wednesday recommended that India be designated as a country of particular concern (CPC) due to the deteriorating religious freedom situation in the country. did.India on Thursday accused the parliament-appointed…

Have you ever downloaded an app that claims to be from your city or government agency, but you're not sure if it's genuine? Apps masquerading as official apps can put your security at risk. It is a legitimate concern to wonder if it is and can be used. Thankfully, Google is making it a lot easier with its new “Government” badge, now live on the Play Store. This little badge, which looks like a small office building, is currently appearing in various places on the Google Play Store. : List of apps, search results, and even the main feed. This…

The Marion County Commission on Wednesday approved a significant property tax abatement for GK Machines, a Donald farm machinery manufacturer that plans to expand its current facility. The board's approval was conditional on the company adding at least 25 full-time industry jobs to its current team of 160 employees. GK is constructing a 140,000-square-foot expansion to its facility that will be valued at $25 million, according to board documents. The green light from the county allows the company to seek approval for all property tax exemptions from other taxing districts in the area, including the City of Donald. The total…

Several high school students got a taste of local government and held various city employee positions Thursday during the 67th annual Elks National Law Day in Effingham.The day consisted of tours of the city's police station, sewage treatment plant, fire station and water treatment plant, as well as a luncheon at Effingham Elks Lodge 1016. Then, students from Effingham High School and St. Anthony High School held a mock town hall. Meeting at Effingham City Hall.Students were assigned to various positions within the city government and met with city officials prior to the meeting to better understand the responsibilities of…

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration is expected to move toward recognizing marijuana's medical uses and its lower potential for abuse than most dangerous drugs. VIRGINIA, USA — A historic shift in the country's drug policy could be on the horizon. The US Drug Enforcement Administration is expected to recommend that marijuana be considered a less dangerous drug. This proposal would have ripple effects across the country, but what about the Commonwealth? The DEA's new proposal would recognize marijuana's medical uses and make it less likely to be abused than some of the nation's most dangerous drugs. While it won't completely…

A recent study found that the majority of Americans surveyed failed a basic civic literacy quiz. “It's crazy now to think that so many people don't know something as simple as a government agency,” said teacher Emily Massey. WAPT I recently attended Massey's AP Government class at Northwest Rankin High School. “I've told you guys since the first day of class, what I want is that I don't want you to go out into society and look stupid,” so to speak. “I want you to have a basic understanding of how government works,” Massey told her students. Massey, a senior…

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has called on the U.S. government to support Iranians amid an escalating crackdown on minorities and dissidents.In its annual report, USCIRF In Iran, “authorities systematically harassed, arrested, detained, sexually assaulted, raped and tortured protesters, including minors,” it said.The USCIRF also highlighted enhanced enforcement of the mandatory hijab law throughout 2023, as well as increased surveillance and covert funding of morality patrols aimed at “harassment of naked women.”“In 2023, the situation of religious freedom in Iran remained extremely poor. Protests against the compulsory hijab law and other restrictions on freedom of religion and…

Washington | A bipartisan group of senators is calling for restrictions on the Transportation Security Administration's use of facial recognition technology, citing concerns about traveler privacy and civil liberties. In a letter Thursday, a group of 14 lawmakers urged Senate leaders to use the Federal Aviation Administration's future reauthorization to limit TSA's use of the technology and provide some oversight for Congress. “Because this technology poses serious threats to our privacy and civil liberties, Congress should prohibit the TSA from developing and deploying facial recognition tools until there is strict Congressional oversight,” the senators said. is writing. The effort was…

Serbian lawmakers on Thursday rejected sanctions from the United States, reflecting the Balkan nation's continued close ties with Russia despite the country's declaration that it aims to join the European Union. It passed a vote to form a new government that would reinstate two pro-Russian officials.Prime Minister Miloš Vucevic's government was supported by a vote of 152 to 61 in the 250-member parliament. The remaining 37 members were absent.US-recognized former intelligence chief with ties to Russia to be appointed deputy prime minister of SerbiaThe government includes former intelligence chief Alexander Boleyn, who has visited Russia several times in recent months,…

After huge backlash from mayors and councilors across Alberta, the province is promising to amend the bill to give local governments significant new powers.Municipal Affairs Minister Rick McIver said in a statement Thursday that he plans to work with municipalities to allay their concerns about the bill, and amendments will be made. Bill 20, introduced in parliament a week ago, gives Alberta's cabinet the power to remove municipal councilors and mayors and repeal or amend local bylaws.The bill would also allow for the creation of regional political parties in Edmonton and Calgary as pilot projects. This bill, the “Municipal Ordinance…