The UK is implementing an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for foreign visitors, effective January 8, 2025, for many countries, including the US, and April 2, 2025, for the EU. Travelers must apply and pay a £10 fee, valid for two years. Initially, transit passengers needed an ETA, but following industry feedback, the UK exempted airside transit passengers, affecting mainly Heathrow and Manchester airports. This exemption may become permanent. To offset revenue loss, the UK plans to increase the ETA fee by 60% to £16, pending approval. Penelope Kingsley 17/01/2025 10:30 pm
Former CIA analyst Asif William Rahman, 34, pleaded guilty to unlawfully retaining and transmitting Top Secret National Defense Information, which was posted on social media in October 2024. Rahman, who had a Top-Secret security clearance, violated his oath and compromised U.S. national security. The Justice Department emphasized its commitment to prosecuting such breaches swiftly, highlighting the risks Rahman’s actions posed to lives, U.S. foreign relations, and intelligence capabilities. Ava Sinclair 17/01/2025 10:30 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian signed a “comprehensive strategic partnership” to enhance cooperation. Historically, Russia and Iran were rivals, with conflicts in the 18th and 19th centuries and tensions during the Cold War. Relations improved after the USSR’s collapse in 1991, with Russia becoming a key trade partner and supplier to Iran. Russia also built Iran’s first nuclear power plant in Bushehr, operational in 2013, and agreed to construct two more reactors. Penelope Kingsley 17/01/2025 10:30 pm
Former Canadian finance minister Chrystia Freeland announced her candidacy to replace Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as Liberal Party leader. Freeland, a close ally of Trudeau, resigned last month over spending disagreements, criticizing his leadership. Her departure caused unrest among Liberals amid poor poll performance and public dissatisfaction. Trudeau will step down after a new leader is chosen by March 9. Freeland’s main rival is former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney. Freeland, 56, previously served as finance and foreign minister and worked as a journalist before entering politics. Penelope Kingsley 17/01/2025 10:30 pm
The Morning Memo discusses the impending chaos of Trump’s second term, driven by retribution, corruption, and destruction. These motives fuel the MAGA movement, blending personal vendettas with public power, and prioritizing loyalty over institutional integrity. This chaos isn’t random but serves to enhance Trump’s dominance by undermining norms and institutions, projecting power through bullying and scandal. Understanding these motives helps prioritize and address the threats they pose. Noah Prescott 17/01/2025 10:30 pm
Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for corruption, the longest sentence he has received among over 100 charges. Khan and his wife, Bushra Bibi, were accused of accepting land as a bribe from a real estate tycoon through the Al-Qadir Trust. Khan allegedly used £190m repatriated by the UK’s National Crime Agency to pay the tycoon’s fines. Khan’s party claims the charges are politically motivated. Bibi received a seven-year sentence and was taken into custody. Khan maintains his innocence. Noah Prescott 17/01/2025 7:00 pm
Satellite images reveal a nearly completed airstrip on Yemen’s Abd al-Kuri Island, likely built by the UAE. This strategic location could support military operations in the Gulf of Aden, crucial for shipping routes disrupted by Houthi attacks. The UAE’s involvement aligns with its support for the Saudi-led war against the Houthis. The conflict, linked to broader regional tensions, risks escalating, especially with Houthi attacks on Israel and U.S. warships. Experts warn that any miscalculation could destabilize the region further, as the Houthis thrive on conflict. Ava Sinclair 17/01/2025 7:00 pm
A security cabinet vote on a cease-fire with Hamas was delayed due to disputes within Netanyahu’s coalition. Despite this, Netanyahu suggested a cease-fire could be in effect by the weekend. Secretary of State Blinken expressed confidence in the agreement starting Sunday. Hard-line minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatened to resign if the deal was approved, potentially destabilizing the coalition. However, opposition lawmakers pledged support for the cease-fire, which aims to free hostages and Palestinian prisoners, even if hard-line allies exit the coalition. Ava Sinclair 17/01/2025 7:00 pm
The UN and media claim Gaza is starving due to Israeli blockades, but Israel’s COGAT reports show aid trucks entering Gaza daily. Many trucks remain uncollected, with food rotting because the UN and agencies refuse to deliver without Hamas protection, rejecting Israeli security offers. Critics argue this perpetuates a myth of Israeli obstruction, while aid groups like Mercy Corps blame Israel for the crisis, demanding a ceasefire and criticizing supposed delivery impediments. Ava Sinclair 17/01/2025 3:30 pm
China’s population declined for the third consecutive year, reaching 1.408 billion by the end of 2024, a drop of 1.39 million. This trend mirrors global patterns, particularly in East Asia, where birth rates are falling due to rising living costs and career priorities. China’s aging population and low immigration exacerbate the issue. Historically, China’s population surged post-World War II, but concerns over resources led to the “one child policy,” which faced criticism for its harsh enforcement. Despite efforts to curb gender-selective abortions, challenges persist. Ava Sinclair 17/01/2025 3:30 pm
