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<ul class="summary-list"><li>"Animal Crossing: New Horizons" is Nintendo's latest smash-hit success for its latest console, the Nintendo Switch.</li><li>Though the game isn't officially approved for sale in China, people have been able to buy the game through importers and by changing their console's region setting. "The game has become extremely popular in China," Niko Partners senior analyst Daniel Ahmad <a href="https://twitter.com/ZhugeEX/status/1248495063883116544">said of the news</a>. "Even places like the Shanghai Fire dept used ['Animal Crossing'] to create some in-game messages."</li><li>But the Chinese government is cracking down on the game, and it looks like censorship may be to blame: Some players involved in the Hong Kong protest movement have shared images from the game, like the one above, voicing opposition to Chinese government policies.</li><li><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul>"Animal Crossing: New Horizons" is a massive hit, and the latest blockbuster for Nintendo's wildly popular Switch console.It's popular all over the world, even in places where it hasn't officially been released - like China, for instance, where some users are using their "Animal Crossing" island to protest government policies.Joshua Wong, a Hong Kong-based activist, offered one example on Twitter earlier this month:Because "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" has a feature that enables players to create their own designs, people can decorate their islands however they please - including with protest slogans.Between user-generated content and the game's massive popularity, red flags within the Chinese government appear to have been raised: Sellers on Chinese re-selling marketplace Taobao have been <a href="https://twitter.com/ZhugeEX/status/1248495056299778050">banned from selling the game as of this week</a>.The ban comes directly from Chinese regulators, who cited an old policy that's rarely enforced, <a href="https://twitter.com/ZhugeEX/status/1248495070933684225">according to Niko Partners senior analyst Daniel Ahmad</a>, who covers the gaming industry in China.Games that do get hit with bans "usually fall under two criteria," Ahmad said. "The game has content or user generated content that is deemed to be too offensive or violent," or, "The game has become very popular and caught the attention of regulators." In the case of "Animal Crossing: New Horizons," the game fits both criteria."The game has become extremely popular in China," <a href="https://twitter.com/ZhugeEX/status/1248495063883116544">Ahmad said</a>. "Even places like the Shanghai Fire Dept. used ['Animal Crossing'] to create some in game messages."Notably, the game isn't officially approved for sale in China.The Nintendo Switch was only <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/nintendo-switch-china-release-date-impact-2019-12">recently approved for sale by the Chinese government</a>, and a limited trio of games were approved for sale alongside it: "New Super Mario Bros. U," "Super Mario Odyssey," and "Mario Kart 8 Deluxe." But Chinese Switch owners are apparently able to skirt those restrictions pretty easily. "The imported version of 'Animal Crossing' is basically just the [Japanese] or [North American] or [European] version imported into China," <a href="https://twitter.com/ZhugeEX/status/1248495065531473931">Ahmad said</a>. Moreover, the game can be purchased by simply changing the region of your Nintendo Switch to reflect a region where the game is available.Still, the game's ban on Taobao is notable - it is the "main platform" for buying imported versions of games in China that are otherwise not approved for sale. It's unclear if Nintendo intends to bring "Animal Crossing: New Horizons" to China at some point in the future, and Nintendo representatives didn't respond to a request for comment as of publishing.<a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/intelligence/brand-investment-esports?IR=T&amp;itm_source=businessinsider&amp;itm_medium=ctgr_bii&amp;itm_term=ctgr_leadgen&amp;itm_content=videogames&amp;itm_campaign=brand-investment-esports"></a>

Some 'Animal Crossing' players in China are using the game to protest government policies, and now the Chinese government is banning the game

India has always held competition with China to be the world's top consumer of bullion. In order to get advanced in the race, India is now working on new policies that would improve transparency and help expand the $19 billion gold jewelry industry that it has. The finance and commerce ministries are presently working on these plans, along with industry groups, which should be finalized by the end of this financial year. These plans include launching a spot bullion exchange and reduction in the present import tax of 10%, while a dedicated bank for the jewelry industry is also under consideration. Presently, India's gold jewelry industry is muddled and mismanaged, which is why it’s unable to maintain confidence among consumers. However, buying and gifting gold is deep rooted in India’s culture, which is why a little push in the industry would enhance people’s trust in quality standards. Consumption of <keyword id="606914" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="gold-in-india">gold in India</keyword> is projected to rise to between 850 and 950 tons by 2020, from the present estimate of 650 to 750 tons. "The gold supply chain should become more transparent and efficient, and the tax reform could boost economic growth, which we see as supporting gold demand," <keyword id="113718" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="100" keywordseo="World-Gold-Council">World Gold Council</keyword> told <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2017-06-15/india-said-to-plan-gold-policy-overhaul-for-19-billion-sector">Bloomberg</a>. Other than the plans mentioned above, the government is also willing to convince people to recycle their jewelry so that imports can be reduced.

Government working on new plans for gold policy revamp

New Delhi: India has proven the 'fallacy' of incompatibility of rapid <keyword id="19900794" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="economic-growth" source="keywords">economic growth</keyword> and a democratic political system, and the continuity of government and policies give industry the confidence of <keyword id="22932843" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="sustained-high-growth" source="keywords">sustained high growth</keyword>, <keyword id="19909974" type="General" weightage="100" keywordseo="Maruti-Suzuki" source="keywords" meta.keywordsubtype="org" meta.entityname="Maruti Suzuki" meta.hostid="261" meta.entityid="Maruti Suzuki">Maruti Suzuki</keyword> India Chairman R C Bhargava said on Tuesday. In his address to shareholders in the company's Annual General Meeting held virtually, he asserted that India's <keyword id="20442128" type="General" weightage="20" keywordseo="democratic-processes" source="keywords">democratic processes</keyword> will lead it to a sustained and more equitable society. Bhargava also said the industry and the government can work with trust and confidence with each other to achieve the goal of India becoming a developed country by 2047. "Over the years, I've heard people arguing that rapid economic development and a democratic political system are not really compatible. Our country has proved the fallacy of this line of thinking," he said. Asserting his point, Bhargava said, "We are now the fastest growing economy in the world, and our prime minister is one of the most respected global leaders." Periodically, he said, "the world has seen how deeply committed we are to the democratic processes." Referring to the recent general elections, he said it has "once again shown that hundreds of millions of people can vote in a peaceful manner and accept the results of that process." Bhargava, however, admitted that "the policies and strategies for equitable and rapid economic growth and development did take some time in being established". ".. But we did find the right path through peaceful democratic processes. This is in sharp contrast to what we have seen around us in many parts of the world and in our neighborhood," he said, without naming Bangladesh which is currently in turmoil following student-led violent protests that led to a regime change. "The continuity of the government and its policies to bring in faster economic growth with greater inclusivity and equity gives industry confidence of sustained high growth," Bhargava said. He further said industry and government can work with trust and confidence with each other to achieve the goal of India becoming a developed country by 2047. "It is the democratic processes which will lead us to a sustained and more equitable society," he said.

Continuity of government, policies give industry confidence of sustained high growth: Maruti Suzuki Chief

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div>Within the <a href="http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSKBN0LS0V520150224?irpc=932">letter sent by Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis</a> to the European Commission, the ECB and the IMF last night (allegedly 45 minutes before the government's Monday deadline) - there was one key line that could radically transform the country's social welfare system.The proposals, <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/greeces-syriza-reforms-to-secure-bailout-extension-2015-2">which have now reportedly been accepted by the Eurogroup and passed on to national governments to vote on Greece's bailout extension</a>, contained a number of anticipated measures - including clamping down on tax avoidance and improving tax collection. But they also had one proposal that demonstrated a little more out-of-the-box thinking.Here it is:<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image"></div></div></div>That may seem a fairly technical passage, but it speaks to one of the key debates about the future of welfare policies across the developed world. Greece is trying to provide a situation in which people, between the ages of 50-65, can remain attached to the job market even during (potentially extended) periods of joblessness.The solution? A Basic Income.Here's how it works. A basic income is a payment from that state that is granted to individual citizens, without means testing or having a work requirement. To its supporters it is a way of providing a basic standard of living to all citizens in a non-bureaucratic and direct fashion.The concept is to replace the convoluted welfare systems that have been built up incrementally over decades with a simple monthly payment straight into people's accounts. In a country that is suffering from high unemployment and a significant shortfall in domestic demand as a consequence, such a scheme could (in theory) offer a backstop for Greek demand. It would provide individuals with the confidence of a future income and alleviate part of the "humanitarian crisis" currently being suffered in Greece.As the letter states, one of the key planks of the Syriza-led government's plans to address the humanitarian crisis in the country is to "evaluate the pilot Minimum Guaranteed Income scheme with a view to extending it nationwide".It wouldn't be the first country to flirt with such an idea. Last year Cyprus passed <a href="http://eurofound.europa.eu/observatories/eurwork/articles/industrial-relations-law-and-regulation/cyprus-guaranteed-minimum-income">a new law giving low income families a Guaranteed Minimum Income</a> of €480 a month following its own economic crisis - although the system has been beset by technical problems. Elsewhere, a more ambitious grass-roots movement in Switzerland <a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/04/us-swiss-pay-idUSBRE9930O620131004">calling for a 2,500 Swiss francs (£1,700) per month</a> from the state received over 100,000 signatures needed to forced a referendum on the proposal.It is, at its core, about a redefinition of the conception that was prevalent at the inception of the modern welfare state that the point of welfare payments were to keep people "fit for work". That may have been an appropriate moniker for its time, but modern societies have developed different expectations for the quality of life that its citizens should enjoy.Just being fit enough to get into work doesn't cut it anymore.In the case of Greece it looks like such a scheme would initially be targeted at those nearing pension age in order to prevent them from taking early retirement - providing them with an income that they would otherwise draw from the state pension fund.This may be a small step in terms of what supporters of a basic income hope to achieve, but it could be another important move in bringing the concept into mainstream discussion. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/russia-facts-putin-world-controversy-2015-1">11 Facts That Show How Different Russia Is From The Rest Of The World</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="RtbDU1bDra7DfSubgs0WuD4Pg0DTxjxx" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

The Greek government is calling for a radical new welfare policy

With a vision to make <keyword id="68884" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Telangana">Telangana</keyword> a commercial hub for all space-related products and services, the state government has decided to formulate a space-tech policy framework. The policy aims to push domestic production of launch vehicles, satellite systems and sub-systems and ground equipment manufacturing. State's Principal Secretary, Industry and Commerce, <keyword id="130896" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="Jayesh-Ranjan">Jayesh Ranjan</keyword>, said on Sunday that Telangana is creating a holistic framework to develop end-to-end spacetech ecosystem in the state and attempt to capture the emerging global opportunities in space-related investments and innovations. This can potentially create a trickle-down impact on other areas of innovation such as universal connectivity and big data analytics for agriculture, remote education, disaster management, he said. Equal emphasis would be given to downstream applications of remote sensing that have the potential to solve real-life problems in agriculture, disaster management, insurance, urban flood modeling and forestry. The Centre's Department of Space recently released the draft Spacecom policy 2020 and draft SpaceRS policy 2020. Officials said states can significantly contribute to achieving the national objectives like "Atmanirbhar Bharat". Telangana is already home to several renowned start-ups such as Skyroot, Dhruva and other major companies in the spacetech sector. The city has collocated facilities of the <keyword id="152819" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="Defence-Research-and-Development-Organisation">Defence Research and Development Organisation</keyword>, the <keyword id="467450" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="National-Remote-Sensing-Centre">National Remote Sensing Centre</keyword>, the Advanced Data Processing Research Institute, the Defence Research &amp; Development Laboratory, the Research Centre Imarat, the Bharat Dynamics Ltd, the Mishra Dhatu Nigam Ltd, the Ordnance Factory Board, the Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory, and the Advanced Research Centre for Powder Metallurgy and New Materials. To formulate Telangana's spacetech policy framework, the state government held a virtual consultation. It invited stakeholders like hardware start-ups, analytics start-ups and academia to share their insights during a virtual stakeholder consultation. Uma Maheshwaran, Scientific Secretary, ISRO HQs, and Dr Ravi Kumar, Director, NRSC) also attended the event. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/nasa-says-its-ingenuity-mars-helicopter-sent-a-positive-status-update-as-it-prepares-for-the-flight-the-agency-is-thinking-about-future-crewed-flights-to-the-red-planet-/articleshow/81140085.cms">NASA says its Ingenuity Mars helicopter sent a positive status update. As it prepares for the flight, the agency is thinking about future crewed flights to the Red Planet.</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/space/news/a-japanese-supercomputer-is-on-a-mission-to-find-out-how-our-universe-went-from-nothing-to-everything-in-less-than-a-microsecond/articleshow/81048254.cms">A Japanese supercomputer is on a mission to find out how our universe went from nothing to everything in less than a microsecond</a>

Telangana government to formulate a space-tech policy framework

<ul class="summary-list"><li><keyword id="12026653" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="fiscal-policy" source="Orion">Fiscal policy</keyword> describes how a government uses taxation and spending to influence the <keyword id="11893570" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="100" keywordseo="economy" source="Orion">economy</keyword>.</li><li>Fiscal policies can be neutral, expansionary, or contractionary depending on the goal.</li><li>Changing fiscal policy could affect interest rates, inflation, employment, and your investments. </li></ul>Fiscal policy is how a government manages spending and taxation levels in ways intended to influence the economy. If US officials want to stimulate growth, they might increase spending or cut tax rates. Conversely, they might want to slow down an overheating economy with lower spending and higher taxes. In turn, these changes can have an impact on interest rates, employment, trade deficits, and <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-inflation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inflation</a>.Current US fiscal policy has its roots in Keynesian economics - which makes a case for the proactive government response to crises and up-and-down business cycles. Fiscal policy may be intertwined with, but is separate from, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/monetary-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monetary policy</a>.<h2>How does fiscal policy work?</h2>Fiscal policies are always present, but changes in them may be driven by a specific situation or a broad agenda."You can have specialized fiscal policy, such as the response to COVID, where the federal government gets together and provides relief," says Kevin Flanagan, head of fixed income strategy at <a href="https://www.wisdomtree.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">WisdomTree</a>.In responding to COVID, the government's emphasis was on increasing spending through relief programs, including direct stimulus payments and Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans. Specialized fiscal policy responses also occurred during the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-caused-the-great-recession" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Great Recession</a>, such as the Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). The government's increased spending was driven, in part, by a desire to end the recession.In the news: Changing fiscal policy isn't always easy, as demonstrated in the compromises and arguments over President Biden's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/democrats-want-end-reagonomics-trickle-down-infrastructure-except-dozen-moderates-2021-10" target="_blank" rel="noopener">infrastructure proposals</a>. Not all fiscal policy changes are made in response to a crisis. For example, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) is an example of an agenda-driven fiscal policy. "One is reactive, and one is more in line with everyday government," explains Flanagan. "They're trying to determine policy going forward." <h2>What are the 3 types of fiscal policy?</h2>Fiscal policy is generally put into one of three categories, depending on its goal:<ul><li>Neutral policy is when the government's fiscal policy isn't intended to influence the economy. Policies may still be enacted, but new expenditures may be completely balanced by increased revenue. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-expansionary-monetary-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Expansionary policy</a> is when the government increases spending or decreases taxes to stimulate growth. Expansionary policy may be an attempt to avoid or end a recession and prevent high unemployment. </li></ul><ul><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-contractionary-monetary-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contractionary policy</a> is when the government decreases spending or increases taxes to prevent unsustainable growth. Contractionary policy may be put in place to slow inflation, decrease government debt, and try to maintain a healthy unemployment rate. </li></ul>Officials may take a neutral approach if there's a stable economy that they want to maintain. However, changing business cycles or a crisis may quickly lead to expansionary or contractionary policies. <h2>Who determines fiscal policy in the US? </h2>In the US, the executive and legislative branches have the most direct impact on fiscal policy. "While the president requests a budget that outlines [their] priorities, Congress ultimately controls the government's purse strings and sets fiscal policy," explains Jason Blackwell, chief investment strategist at <a href="https://www.thecolonygroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The Colony Group</a>. The judicial branch could also have an influence on fiscal policy if it finds spending or tax proposals are unconstitutional.<h3>Fiscal policy vs. monetary policy</h3>In the US, the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/what-is-the-federal-reserve" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Federal Reserve</a>, or Fed, is an independent federal agency that sets the country's <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/monetary-policy" target="_blank" rel="noopener">monetary policy</a>. <div type="image" title="Monetary policy explainer" height="1727" width="1668" msid="87172597" hostid="261"></div>While fiscal policy tends to be targeted, Blackwell says monetary policy is often a blunt tool that can influence consumers' and business' interest rates and borrowing. And while they're different and separate from each other, fiscal and monetary policy work in tandem at times.Quick tip: Fiscal and monetary policy can have an impact on inflation. In turn, this can affect your <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/purchase-power" target="_blank" rel="noopener">purchasing power</a>, a measure of how much you can buy with a unit of currency, such as one dollar. "For example, in the last two recessions, the Federal Reserve lowered the lending cost for banks to incentivize them to make more loans to businesses, while Congress authorized cash infusions more directly to consumers and businesses," says Blackwell.However, at other times, the government's fiscal and monetary policies may counteract each other. "If fiscal policy is being viewed as restrictive, perhaps the Fed would want to counter or offset that," says Flanagan.<h2>How can fiscal policy affect investments </h2>Fiscal policies may have direct and indirect impacts on your investments.Consider, for example, a new tax rate that could leave you with more or less money to invest. And new rules about tax-advantaged accounts could require you to adjust your investment strategy. For investors, the impact fiscal policy can have on the overall economy, <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/where-to-invest-when-interest-rates-are-low" target="_blank" rel="noopener">interest rates</a>, specific industries, and individual companies can be quite significant, says Blackwell. Fiscal policy can also impact the overall economy, interest rates, specific industries, and individual companies. "For investors, the impact can be significant," says Blackwell.He shares a hypothetical example related to the clean-energy industry to explain: "If the government allocates tax credits and prioritizes spending within the space, it can create risks for traditional energy companies and opportunities for new entrants."Predicting fiscal policy might not be possible. But being aware of changes and their potential consequences is important. <h2>The financial takeaway</h2>Fiscal policy is the government's approach to spending and taxation. Both reactive and agenda-driven policies could affect your household's financial situation, as well as the overall economy. "We tend to focus on fiscal policy during times of crisis," says Blackwell. "For example, the automaker bailouts in 2008 or the PPP-loans in 2020. Those are examples of the government targeting spending to specific sectors of the economy to smooth the economic recessions." However, agenda-driven fiscal policy decisions may have a much longer time horizon. Whether it's a change to the tax code or a new infrastructure plan, the impact of fiscal policy could play out be felt for decades to come.<a data-type="6011da94dc3da472bb064a63">How to take advantage of low interest rates - the best financial moves for investors and borrowers</a><a data-type="6130f96f0d5b750e8a4ba772">What is hyperinflation? Understanding the rapid increase in the cost of goods and services over time</a><a data-type="615b322f440ead1e716e8e27">What is Modern Monetary Theory? Understanding the alternative economic theory that's becoming more mainstream</a><a data-type="613a80502864561673290c31">What to know about the main causes of inflation</a>

Understanding fiscal policy: The use of government spending and taxation to manage the economy

The Tamil Nadu government will respond to <keyword id="2959488" type="COMPANY" weightage="20" keywordseo="the-new-national-education-policy">the New National Education Policy</keyword> (NEP) after a <keyword id="3880652" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="detailed-discussion">detailed discussion</keyword> with Chief Minister K Palaniswami on August 3, state school education minister K A Sengottaiyan said on Thursday. However, the ruling AIADMK's ally, the PMK, sought revision of the policy, by removing the "dangerous" aspects in the NEP and incorporating the proactive measures suggested by the 1964 Kothari Commission. Sengottaiyan told reporters in Erode that he would discuss the NEP with the chief minister. "We are awaiting the details... will discuss (the matter) with the chief minister," he said. NDA constituent PMK contended there were many positive aspects in the NEP, and numerous negative aspects as well. PMK youth wing leader <keyword id="6372434" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="anbumani-ramadoss">Anbumani Ramadoss</keyword> said the proposal of students in classes 3, 5 and 8 taking school examinations to be conducted by the appropriate authority was unwarranted. "Conducting exams for students in Class 3, will cause mental stress and specifically affect students coming from rural areas and lead to drop-outs. There should not be any board exams till class 8," the Rajya Sabha member said. As per the NEP, instead of exams being held every year, school students will sit only for three - at Classes 3, 5 and 8. Assessment in other years will shift to a "regular and formative" style that is more "competency-based, promotes learning and development and tests higher-order skills, such as analysis, critical thinking and conceptual clarity". Anbumani Ramadoss pointed out that the proposal on adopting a three-language policy was unacceptable and said though it was stated that the third language would be based on the student's choice, it appeared that only Sanskrit was given priority and it would lead to imposition of the language. The mandatory entrance exams for college and university admissions would affect students from the villages, he said and called for dropping the proposal. The suggestions of the public and his party had not been taken into account, he said but however welcomed the proposal on the medium of instruction. He also welcomed the announcement that 6 per cent of GDP would be spent on education and the proposal to introduce four-year undergraduate degrees with multiple entry and exit options and abolishment of M. Phil programme. Meanwhile, actor and Makkal Needhi Maiam founder <keyword id="6354603" type="PERSON" weightage="20" keywordseo="kamal-haasan">Kamal Haasan</keyword> tweeted, "Glad that Education is getting 6 per cent share of GDP in the new education policy." "The immediate focus and reforms needed are in the Healthcare sector now, which gets only 1 per cent of GDP on an average. This share has to be increased to 7-8 per cent if we want to grow as a healthy nation too," he said. MDMK founder and Rajya Sabha member Vaiko said that the NEP was "against pluralism and federal principles" and called for its review. It tried to give shape to "RSS' long term vision," he alleged. SEE ALSO: <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/science/health/news/mumbai-sero-surveillance-round-2-to-begin-from-august-10/articleshow/77257546.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Mumbai sero surveillance round 2 to begin from August 10</a> <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/india/news/what-is-allowed-and-not-allowed-during-mumbai-pune-thane-and-other-maharashtra-cities-extended-lockdown-till-august-31/articleshow/77256238.cms" data-type="tilCustomLink">Maharashtra extends lockdown till August 31 — Here’s what’s allowed and what’s prohibited</a>

Tamil Nadu government to discuss National Education Policy on August 3

<keyword id="40905" type="PERSON" weightage="60" keywordseo="Marijuana">Marijuana</keyword> has enjoyed <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/war-on-drugs-marijuana-legalization-2013-4">considerable political success</a> recently.
In November, Colorado and Washington legalized marijuana use, and since then multiple states have begun to look at decriminalization and legalization efforts with momentum that the movement has never seen before. 
While the movement to reform <keyword id="341436" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="Drug-Policy">drug policy</keyword> is comprised of thousands of activists and donors, several individuals have been leading the fight to pass new laws and ballot initiatives that legalize pot. 
We spoke to several people in the reform movement, and these five individuals came up as some of the most influential in the marijuana reform movement: 
 <div class="image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lEC7wvQsoY">Youtube</a></div></div></div>1. Allen St. Pierre
St. Pierre is the executive director of the <a href="http://norml.org/">National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML)</a>, the oldest and largest advocacy group working to legalize marijuana in the U.S. 
Under St. Pierre, NORML has become <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/marijuanas-top-lobbyist-told-us-why-there-will-be-several-viable-legalization-bills-next-year-in-congress-2012-11">the leading lobbying group for marijuana legalization</a>, decriminalization and medical use. 
NORML under St. Pierre is also a major messaging arm for reformers, serving as an information clearinghouse for media and another prospective for policymakers. Currently, NORML is working with forces on the hill to develop federal <keyword id="1739136" type="UNKNOWN" weightage="60" keywordseo="Marijuana-Legalization">marijuana legalization</keyword>.
NORML's foundation arm also provides legal support to some people charged with marijuana crimes and undertakes relevant research initiatives.
 
<div class="image-container float_left" style="width:400px"><div class="image"><a href="https://twitter.com/ethannadelmann">Twitter</a></div></div>2. Ethan Nadelmann
Nadelmann is the founder and executive director of <a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/staff-and-board/staff/ethan-nadelmann-executive-director">the Drug Policy Alliance.</a> 
DPA serves as one of the clearinghouses for marijuana <keyword id="28351" type="ORGANIZATION" weightage="60" keywordseo="policy">policy</keyword> in the U.S. <a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/our-work">They work extensively</a> to push legislation that decriminalizes marijuana offenses at the state level, and also provide grants to smaller, local organizations.
DPA and their electoral arm, Drug Policy Action, were <a href="http://www.drugpolicy.org/our-victories">behind the November 2012 ballot initiatives</a> in Colorado and Washington that legalized marijuana in those states. Nadelmann's group also helped fund-raise and build political support for the ballot initiatives. 
St. Pierre, director of NORML, called Nadelmann "the most dialed-in drug policy reform advocate in the country." 
<div class="image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"><a href="http://www.arizonamedicalmarijuanablog.com/2012/02/08/arizona-medicall-marijuana-blog-peter-lewis-progressive-corp/">Arizona Medical Marijuana Blog</a></div></div>3. Peter B. Lewis
Lewis is the former chairman and CEO of Progressive Insurance. 
With a net worth of <a href="http://www.forbes.com/profile/peter-lewis/gallery/2">roughly $1.2 billion,</a> Lewis is a prominent philanthropist, and a top financial backer of the drug reform movement in the U.S. One prominent advocate estimates that he has given roughly $40 million to the cause since 1996. 
One recent contribution to the Brookings Institute enabled the organization to fund <a href="http://www.brookings.edu/events/2013/04/15-marijuana-legalization">a new 18-24 month serial review of marijuana law</a> and alternative policies, a project that has huge potential for marijuana reform advocacy. 
 <div class="image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image">Justin Hartfield</div></div>4. Justin Ross Hartfield
Hartfield is one of the new breed of "ganjapreneurs" who are bringing legitimate business sensibilities to the newly-legal marijuana market. 
<a href="http://about.me/justinhartfield">A 28-year old serial entrepreneur,</a> Hartfield and his partner Doug Francis run Ghost Group, a venture capital fund with holdings in several businesses that Hartfield started, including <a href="http://ghostgroup.com/our-companies/weedmaps/">Weedmaps</a> — a site with revenues of $1.5 million per month already — as well as <a href="http://ghostgroup.com/our-companies/cannabinoid/">Cannabinoid Science Systems,</a> a research firm that develops marijuana products. 
Because his businesses don't require him to actually come in contact with the drug, Hartfield is able to make a fortune off of marijuana reform without running afoul of federal law. He also sits on the <a href="http://norml.org/about/item/justin-hartfield">boards of NORML</a> and the Marijuana Policy Project. 
 <div class="image-container float_right" style="width:400px"><div class="image"><a href="http://www.avvo.com/attorneys/98164-wa-alison-holcomb-23710/aboutme.html">Avvo</a></div></div>5. Alison Holcomb 
As <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/pub/alison-holcomb/5a/6aa/534">the campaign director</a> of New Approach Washington, Holcomb led the political action committee behind the successful passage of State Initiative 502, which legalized marijuana in the state of Washington.
She managed to <a href="http://www.seattleweekly.com/2012-09-26/news/alison-holcomb-pot-mama/">raise $3 million for the initiative</a> — much of it provided by Peter Lewis — which dwarfed the opposition's spending. 
Holcomb has worked for years on marijuana law through the <a href="http://www.aclu-wa.org/">ACLU Washington</a>, and currently serves as the Drug Policy Director there. Prior to running New Approach Washington, she extensively lobbied the Washington legislature about <a href="http://www.seattleweekly.com/2012-09-26/news/alison-holcomb-pot-mama/">reforming their medical marijuana policy</a>. She recently flew to Uruguay to consult with officials about marijuana legalization there.
Following her win in Washington, there has been speculation that Holcomb may <a href="http://blogs.seattletimes.com/politicsnorthwest/2013/02/19/alison-holcomb-for-mayor/">make a run for mayor or city council</a> in Seattle. 
Holcomb is unique in the movement in that she claims to <a href="http://www.seattleweekly.com/2012-09-26/news/alison-holcomb-pot-mama/">have not used marijuana personally.</a>

Five People Who Are Leading The Fight To Legalize Marijuana

5 unintended consequences when world governments got involved in sex policies

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table"><div><div class="image on-image">Vadim Ghirda/AP PhotoA woman pushes a baby stroller by electoral posters advertising the candidates of the Socialists' Party, in Chisinau, Moldova.</div></div></div><ul class="summary-list"><li>Historically, governments have used various methods to control people's sexuality in an attempt to boost their economies.</li><li>From subtle persuasion to draconian manipulation, political and business leaders continue to wield numerous measures to try to influence how people have sex. </li><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/?hprecirc-bullet" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.</a></li></ul>To many people, economics is the about the least sexy topic imaginable. However, economics and sex have a strong relationship. While putting together my book "<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Sex-Weird-Pedia-Scandalous-Incredibly/dp/1631584375">Sex Weird-o-Pedia</a>," I was bewildered by the varied tactics that countries have used to control people's sexuality in an attempt to boost their economies. From subtle persuasion to draconian manipulation, political and business leaders continue to wield numerous measures to try to influence how people have sex. What became clear during my research was that laws about reproductive and sexual issues have prompted many unintended consequences.

<div class="KonaFilter image-container display-table float_right"><div><div class="image on-image"><a href="https://www.paimages.co.uk/image-details/2.26106552">Matt Cardy / PA Wire/Press Association Images</a></div></div></div>The Chancellor has abandoned plans to balance the government's budget by the end of the decade, blaming uncertainty surrounding Britain's exit from the European Union.A commitment to reach a budget surplus - collecting more in taxes than it spends on public services - has been central to Osborne's vision as Chancellor since taking the office in 2010. The government had pledged to reach a surplus by 2020.But George Osborne said in a speech in Manchester on Friday that the government had to be "realistic" about the nation's finances following last week's surprise decision by the public to leave the EU.Here's part of Osborne's speech, <a href="https://next.ft.com/content/2cb9eef6-ee83-3a05-b1e8-a41c2be5ae8e">as per the Financial Times</a>:"The government must provide fiscal credibility so we will continue to be tough on the deficit but we must be realistic about achieving a surplus by the end of this decade.""We need to reduce uncertainty by moving as quickly as possible to a new relationship with Europe and being super competitive, open for business and free trading. That's the plan and we must set to it."The pound <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/the-pound-is-dropping-again-2016-6">fell to a 31-year low against the dollar in the wake of the Brexit result</a> and the <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/sp-downgrades-uk-credit-rating-to-aa-from-aaa-2016-6">UK's credit rating has been downgraded</a>, both of which make it more costly for the country to borrow.Most banks and forecasting agencies also <a href="http://uk.businessinsider.com/eu-referendum-brexit-impact-pantheon-macroeconomics-chart-on-recession-probability-2016-7">now expect the UK to enter a recession in the coming years</a> as uncertainty around exit negotiations depresses investment in the country.The abandoning of the target comes a day after figures showed Britain's current account deficit is still near record highs. The deficit between taxes collected and amount spent for the first quarter <a href="http://www.thetimes.co.uk/edition/business/horribly-high-32-6bn-deficit-increases-fears-of-sterling-crisis-pcb205brd">stood at £32. 6 billion, according to the Office of National Statistics.</a>The Conservative party has repeatedly attacked Labour for "failing to fix the roof while the sun was shining" and have tried to tackle the government's spending deficit. That has led to over half a decade of austerity, as Osborne slashed spending to bring down costs. <div class="margin-top"> <h3>NOW WATCH: <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/goldman-sachs-flags-emails-with-these-phrases-2016-6">These are the phrases that will get your email flagged at Goldman Sachs</a></h3> <div> <div> <div class="ooyala-video-player" data-video-autoplay="false" data-video-id="JmMWw3NDE67SsX7jdg192zCLe6Blqs_t" data-player-variable="ooyalapopvideo" id="ooyalaplayer_popvideo" style="width:1280px;height:720px"></div> </div> </div> </div>

You Searched For "government policies" and got 11 results

Some 'Animal Crossing' players in China are using the game to protest government policies, and now the Chinese government is banning the game

Ben Gilbert

Government working on new plans for gold policy revamp

BI India Bureau

Continuity of government, policies give industry confidence of sustained high growth: Maruti Suzuki Chief

PTI

The Greek government is calling for a radical new welfare policy

Tomas Hirst,Tomas Hirst

Telangana government to formulate a space-tech policy framework

IANS

Understanding fiscal policy: The use of government spending and taxation to manage the economy

Louis DeNicola

Tamil Nadu government to discuss National Education Policy on August 3

PTI

Five People Who Are Leading The Fight To Legalize Marijuana

Walter Hickey

5 unintended consequences when world governments got involved in sex policies

5 unintended consequences when world governments got involved in sex policies

Ross Benes

George Osborne just abandoned one of the government's biggest policies because of Brexit

Oscar Williams-Grut

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