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Cabinet approves tourist fee of 150-300 baht for all foreign tourists
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China’s Stealth Fighter: A Game-Changing Super Weapon in the Race for Air Supremacy
China appears to be advancing rapidly in the race for aerial dominance with the development of a new stealth fighter jet. The groundbreaking aircraft, described by analysts as a potential "super weapon," has stunned military observers worldwide. Speculation is rife that the jet is designed to operate on the edge of space and target previously unreachable U.S. military assets, such as early warning aircraft and refueling tankers. "If procured in an operational form by the PLAAF, it would be able to fly over long regional distances and loiter for extended periods on station far from home without tanker support," noted *The War Zone*. It further emphasized that the fighter could carry out missions closer to threats than any other manned aircraft currently in China’s arsenal. Key design features of the aircraft highlight its stealth and high-performance capabilities. Aviation experts have noted the plane’s engines are fed by a single dorsal inlet and two ventral inlets, with the dorsal inlet employing a stealth-enhancing diverterless supersonic design. This configuration is said to optimize the jet for high-speed and stealth operations. The large ventral fuselage section appears to house an internal weapons bay, while the landing gear—featuring two wheels per main leg—mirrors designs used in heavy fighter-bombers like Russia’s Sukhoi Su-34. Observers have also identified potential missile and bomb loading hatches under the fuselage, enhancing radar stealth. The engine nozzles, positioned above the fuselage, are strategically designed to minimize heat radiation and noise, further boosting survivability. The jet’s size has drawn particular attention, as it suggests a focus on endurance and internal capacity. Analysts speculate the aircraft’s massive internal volume could accommodate an extensive fuel load, advanced sensors, and a significant array of weaponry. Additionally, aerodynamic efficiencies likely contribute to its ability to perform high-speed dashes and sustained cruising flights. Intriguingly, some images of the aircraft have led to speculation that it may feature three engines—a highly unconventional design choice. This would address the higher weight of the aircraft and support aggressive performance goals, particularly for high-speed and high-altitude operations. Retired U.S. Air Force General Mark D. Kelly had previously acknowledged the possibility of China developing next-generation fighter jets. "They are not dummies. They know what they’re doing," he said, cautioning that the Chinese sixth-generation air combat program is likely to include "exponential" advancements in stealth technology over existing platforms. The development of this new fighter jet underscores China’s determination to challenge U.S. air superiority. If the aircraft achieves its speculated capabilities, it could mark a significant shift in the balance of power in aerial warfare, raising the stakes in the competition for control of the skies. Based on a report by the Daily Mail 2024-12-28 -
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Judge Rebukes Jay-Z's Legal Tactics in Child Rape Case, Grants Accuser Anonymity
Jay-Z, whose real name is Shawn Carter, is facing sharp criticism from the judiciary in an ongoing legal battle over allegations of child rape. The case, brought by a woman identified as Jane Doe, accuses Carter and fellow rapper Sean "Diddy" Combs of drugging and assaulting her when she was 13 years old at an after-party following the 2000 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City. Both men have denied the allegations, with Carter calling them baseless. In a decisive ruling on Thursday, Judge Analisa Torres granted Jane Doe the right to remain anonymous during the next stage of legal proceedings. The decision came with a scathing critique of Carter's lawyer, Alex Spiro, whose aggressive legal tactics were described as "inappropriate, a waste of judicial resources, and a tactic unlikely to benefit his client." Judge Torres highlighted the attorney's repeated motions to dismiss the case and unmask Jane Doe, which she deemed "combative" and "filled with inflammatory language and ad hominem attacks." She further emphasized, "The Court will not fast-track the judicial process merely because counsel demands it." According to the lawsuit, the alleged assault took place after Jane Doe, then a teenager trying to enter the awards show at Radio City Music Hall, was invited to an after-party by a man claiming to be Combs' limousine driver. Upon arrival, she claims she was coerced into signing a nondisclosure agreement, served a drugged drink, and then assaulted by both Carter and Combs while a female celebrity allegedly watched. Carter’s legal team has vehemently denied the allegations, accusing the plaintiff and her attorney, Tony Buzbee, of fabricating the claims as part of an extortion attempt. In a public statement, Carter condemned Buzbee, saying, "I have no idea how you have come to be such a deplorable human, Mr. Buzbee, but I promise you I have seen your kind many times over. You claim to be a Marine? Marines are known for their valor; you have neither honor nor dignity." Adding complexity to the case, Buzbee himself is facing legal troubles. A separate lawsuit filed in Manhattan Supreme Court accuses him of sexually assaulting a woman, infecting her with a sexually transmitted disease, and attempting to silence her by offering free legal services. The plaintiff in that case alleges Buzbee became possessive to prevent her from exposing him. Despite the accusations against both Carter and Buzbee, Judge Torres has maintained focus on the accuser’s right to anonymity. She stated, “The weight of the factors tips in favor of allowing Plaintiff to remain anonymous, at least for this stage of the litigation.” Carter’s defense team, led by Spiro, has argued the lawsuit is rife with inconsistencies. Meanwhile, Buzbee’s legal actions extend beyond Carter, including multiple civil cases against Combs, who is currently jailed in New York awaiting trial on unrelated federal charges of coercion and abuse of women. As the case proceeds, the court’s strong stance on preserving the anonymity of the alleged victim marks a pivotal moment in what promises to be a contentious legal battle. Whether Carter and his defense team will alter their approach remains to be seen, but the judge’s rebuke underscores the importance of decorum and judicial fairness in even the most high-profile cases. Based on a report by the Daily Mail 2024-12-28 -
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The Scientists and Spies Who Questioned Covid’s Origins
Initially dismissed as a conspiracy theory, the idea that Covid-19 may have originated from a laboratory in China has gradually gained traction. This theory clashed with the zoonotic hypothesis, which posits the virus jumped from animals to humans, and became a point of contention not only within scientific circles but also among intelligence agencies and political leaders. In 2021, amid growing frustration over China’s lack of transparency, President Biden tasked U.S. intelligence agencies with investigating the origins of the virus. The intelligence community was split. Most agencies leaned toward the zoonotic explanation with “low confidence,” while the FBI stood apart, asserting with “moderate confidence” that a lab leak was more likely. Yet, despite its distinct conclusion, the FBI was notably absent from the briefing given to Biden and his senior advisors in August 2021. Jason Bannan, a senior FBI scientist involved in the investigation, found this omission surprising. “Being the only agency that assessed a laboratory origin as more likely, we anticipated the FBI would be asked to attend,” Bannan said. However, a spokesperson for the Director of National Intelligence argued that divergent views were adequately represented during the briefing, even if individual agencies were not present. Behind the scenes, the disagreements ran deeper than many realized. At the National Center for Medical Intelligence, three scientists—John Hardham, Robert Cutlip, and Jean-Paul Chretien—concluded that Covid-19 was likely engineered in a lab through “gain of function” research. Their findings clashed with the position of their parent agency, the Defense Intelligence Agency, and were excluded from the final report to the president. In a twist, the scientists were later instructed to cease sharing their work with the FBI, which some within their ranks claimed was acting “off the reservation.” Meanwhile, their findings were leaked years later, fueling debates during congressional hearings. The broader investigation, dubbed the “90-day sprint,” was riddled with controversy. Intelligence experts clashed over the interpretation of data, including a comparison of Covid-19 to past zoonotic outbreaks like Ebola and MERS. FBI scientists argued these comparisons were misleading due to the unique contagiousness of coronaviruses, while others insisted the data underscored the plausibility of zoonotic transmission. Geography also fueled the debate. Some argued that Covid-19’s origin in Wuhan, far from the bat populations in Yunnan province where similar coronaviruses were previously detected, weakened the zoonotic theory. Critics countered that China’s lack of an effective surveillance network in rural areas left such gaps inconclusive. Despite these conflicts, proponents of both theories remained firm. Ralph Baric, a prominent coronavirus researcher, testified before Congress that the Wuhan Institute of Virology’s safety protocols were inadequate for the high-risk research being conducted there. Yet, others, including Dr. Anthony Fauci, maintained that the virus most likely had natural origins. By mid-2023, the U.S. Energy Department joined the FBI in supporting the lab-leak theory, though both conclusions were drawn with limited confidence. Newly declassified intelligence confirmed that the Wuhan lab had experimented with genetic engineering on coronaviruses, but no direct link to Covid-19 was established. Now retired, Bannan is among those advocating for a renewed examination of the evidence. “What ended up on the intelligence community’s cutting-room floor needs to be re-examined,” he stated, emphasizing the need for continued scrutiny despite diminished investigative momentum. The quest to uncover the truth about Covid-19’s origins remains unresolved. More than five years since the outbreak, the debate continues, highlighting not only scientific and geopolitical tensions but also the challenges of seeking answers in the absence of cooperation. Based on a report by the WSJ 2024-12-28 -
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Red Wall MPs Urge Starmer to Take Stronger Stance on Immigration to Secure Seats
Labour MPs representing the Red Wall constituencies are urging party leader Sir Keir Starmer to adopt a tougher position on immigration to prevent losing ground to Reform, the party led by former Brexit Party leader Nigel Farage. The group, unofficially known as the “Red Wall Caucus,” consists of around 35 MPs from the North and Midlands, regions traditionally considered Labour strongholds but which saw significant Conservative gains in 2019. These MPs, led by Jo White, the newly elected representative for Bassetlaw, are advocating for Sir Keir to emphasize his commitment to addressing immigration concerns and to focus on other pressing issues affecting working-class communities, such as access to GPs, anti-social behavior, and the rising cost of living. The group believes that failing to address these concerns could lead to a shift in voter support toward Reform in these Brexit-supporting areas. Jonathan Hinder, Labour MP for Pendle and Clitheroe and a member of the Red Wall Caucus, highlighted the need for clear communication from the party regarding their policies on reducing migration levels. “The British people want our borders secure and net migration brought down after the Tories totally lost control,” Hinder stated. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that constituents hear directly from Labour about their plans and that the party’s messaging aligns with the priorities of voters in Red Wall areas. The MPs are actively engaging with ministers and pollsters to refine their policy approach and ensure the government understands the concerns of their communities. “It’s about having conversations with ministers to ensure they’re hearing what we see as important, so they assist with them in policy development,” the group explained. They described maintaining a “positive relationship with the Government” as a key strategy for achieving their objectives. This push comes as the UK grapples with record-high net migration levels, which peaked at nearly one million last year. Although recent figures show a 20% reduction, with net migration standing at 728,000 in the year to June 2024, the issue remains a focal point for public and political discourse. Sir Keir has pledged to reduce net migration but has refrained from setting a specific target, unlike his clear commitments on other policy areas. The Red Wall MPs argue that stronger and more vocal leadership on immigration, along with tangible action on issues like anti-social behavior and healthcare access, is essential for Labour to retain support in these constituencies. As Reform continues to draw attention from disillusioned voters, the Labour Party faces a critical challenge in balancing its policies to address the concerns of Red Wall communities while maintaining its broader appeal across the country. Based on a report by the Daily telegraph 2024-12-28 -
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Putin Expresses Readiness for Talks with Trump to End Ukraine War
Russian President Vladimir Putin has voiced his readiness for potential talks with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump to address the ongoing war in Ukraine. Speaking at his end-of-year news conference in Moscow, Putin stated he has not communicated with Trump in years and that no meeting is currently planned. However, he emphasized his willingness to engage in discussions and make compromises to resolve the nearly three-year-long conflict. “I don’t know when we will meet because he has not said anything about it,” Putin remarked, adding, “I have not talked to him for more than four years. Of course, I’m ready to talk any time; I will be ready to meet with him if he wishes.” Trump, who has promised to lead peace talks between Russia and Ukraine, has claimed he could end the conflict within 24 hours of assuming office. During an address at the AmericaFest convention, he suggested that Putin is keen to begin negotiations. “President Putin said that he wants to meet with me as soon as possible,” Trump said. “So we have to wait for this, but we have to end that war. That war is horrible, horrible.” Putin insisted that he would not be approaching talks from a position of weakness. “I believe that Russia has become significantly stronger in the past two or three years,” he stated. “Why? Because we are becoming a truly sovereign country, and we barely depend on anybody. We are strengthening our defense capability. The combat readiness of the Russian Armed Forces is the highest in the world today. I assure you it is the highest.” Despite his confidence, Putin reiterated his openness to compromise, stating, “Politics is the art of compromise. We have always said that we are ready for both negotiations and compromises. The problem is that the opposing side, both literally and figuratively, rejected negotiations. We, on the contrary, have always been willing to talk, and talking always leads to finding a compromise.” Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who recently met with Trump in Paris, has indicated a willingness to cede territory to Russia if it would bring an end to the war. Trump, during a press conference in Palm Beach, Florida, acknowledged the complexity of the situation, admitting that resolving the Ukraine conflict would be more challenging than dealing with turmoil in the Middle East. “It’s a tough one. It’s a nasty one,” Trump said of the war. Despite these challenges, he noted having made “a little progress” toward brokering peace. As the world watches, the prospect of a meeting between Putin and Trump could signal a significant step toward resolving the devastating conflict in Ukraine. However, the success of any negotiations remains uncertain, hinging on the willingness of all parties to engage in meaningful compromise. Based on a report by the NYP 2024-12-28 -
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Diplomatic Immunity Tested: Russian Diplomats in Buenos Aires Traffic Stop Controversy
A routine Christmas Day traffic stop in Buenos Aires escalated into a diplomatic dispute when two Russian diplomats refused to comply with police requests, citing immunity under international law. The incident has drawn attention from both Argentine and Russian officials, sparking debate over the limits of diplomatic privileges and local legal obligations. The events unfolded in the affluent neighborhood of Recoleta, where a man driving a car with a diplomatic license plate was stopped by police at around 10:45 a.m. The driver refused to present identification, exit the vehicle, or take a breathalyzer test. The standoff lasted over an hour, attracting the attention of television reporters covering traffic stops, a routine Christmas feature in the area. The situation became more complex when bystanders attempted to intervene. A Russian-speaking passerby tried to mediate, while a self-proclaimed Russian-Spanish translator and lawyer arrived after seeing the incident on TV, calling the detention improper. Despite the commotion, members of the Federal Police’s diplomatic security department eventually escorted the man and his vehicle back to the Russian embassy. A similar episode occurred shortly afterward when another Russian diplomat driving a vehicle with diplomatic plates also refused to comply with police requests. Like the first, this individual was escorted to the embassy without incident. At 1:30 p.m., a representative identifying himself as a secretary from the Russian embassy addressed reporters outside the embassy. Citing the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, he claimed that diplomatic vehicles are exempt from stops, searches, or seizures, labeling the traffic stops a "serious violation of international law." The Vienna Convention indeed protects diplomats and their property, allowing them freedom of movement and immunity from arrest or detention unless they commit a serious crime. However, Article 41 of the convention states that diplomats must respect the laws and regulations of their host country, provided it does not hinder their official duties. The Russian embassy later submitted a formal complaint to Argentina's Foreign Ministry, urging measures to prevent future incidents and suggesting that such situations could be exploited by detractors of Russian-Argentine relations. Complicating matters, a 2022 memorandum from the Argentine Foreign Ministry explicitly reminded diplomats to comply with local traffic laws, warning that violations could result in fines and towing of vehicles. This communiqué had been issued after public complaints about irregularities involving vehicles with diplomatic plates. While some argued that the police actions were appropriate, others raised concerns about potential overreach. Deputy Marcela Pagano, of the ruling coalition La Libertad Avanza (LLA), filed a complaint accusing Buenos Aires City traffic officials of "abuse of authority" and failing to fulfill their public duties. Pagano pointed to Article 31 of the Vienna Convention, which protects diplomatic property from searches, and suggested the traffic stop’s proximity to the embassy might have been a deliberate provocation. However, former Argentine ambassador to China Diego Guelar dismissed these claims, asserting that the Vienna Convention was not violated. “Diplomats must comply with local legislation, identify themselves, and provide vehicle documentation,” he wrote on X (formerly Twitter), adding that the Russian embassy should simply pay any fines incurred. As the controversy continues, a spokesperson for the Argentine government characterized the incident as a minor administrative matter, unlikely to escalate further. “This was simply a discussion on diplomatic immunity and the circumstances of the detentions, nothing more,” said Presidential spokesman Manuel Adorni. Despite the tensions, the Argentine Foreign Ministry has yet to make an official statement, leaving the matter unresolved as legal and diplomatic discussions unfold. The situation underscores the delicate balance between respecting diplomatic immunity and enforcing local laws, a challenge that countries hosting foreign diplomats regularly navigate. Based on a report by the Buenos Aires Herald 2024-12-28 -
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Looming Crisis: Private Schools Face Closures Amid VAT Hike
Whitehall is preparing for a potential crisis in the private education sector as the imposition of VAT on school fees threatens to force many independent schools to close. The Independent Schools Council (ISC) has warned that the risk of closures is “very real,” prompting the government to draw up contingency plans to accommodate a potential surge in demand for state school places. From January 1, private school fees will be subject to a 20% VAT increase. This change, combined with other financial pressures, is expected to disproportionately impact smaller schools with lower fees, especially in areas where competition is fierce. Government officials, using data from Companies House and other sources, are closely monitoring these at-risk institutions. The immediate impact is expected to be somewhat smaller but still significant. By the end of this academic year, around 3,000 children are projected to transfer from private to state schools. Government sources have expressed confidence in the state sector’s ability to handle the influx but are actively working on contingency plans. “We have to plan for the worst,” one official told *The Times*. “Officials are monitoring schools most at risk of closure to help local authorities prepare where numbers may spike.” Another source emphasized the challenge of the upcoming transition: “The government routinely monitors pupil movement between the independent and state sectors, but this year the VAT increase introduces an added layer of complexity.” The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) predicts that most private schools will pass on two-thirds of the increased costs to parents through higher fees. Some schools may also reduce their offerings to mitigate the financial burden, while others will attempt to absorb the costs through profit cuts and efficiency measures. Private schools are already grappling with declining enrollment. The ISC reports that 8,000 children left private schools after Labour's election in July, with an additional 2,500 following in subsequent months. Wales has seen the largest drop, with pupil numbers down by 5.15%, followed by Yorkshire at 2.63% and the southwest at 2.43%. Robinson voiced concerns about the government’s preparedness, stating, “I think the government has seriously underestimated the level of movement as a result of their policies. There are a lot of financial shocks building up on independent schools.” She also highlighted the potential strain on local authorities, noting that while there may be overall space in the state sector, availability in the right locations is uncertain. Further compounding the financial strain on private schools is a rise in business rates and an increase in employers’ national insurance contributions this spring. The VAT charge alone is projected to raise £1.8 billion annually but leaves schools with limited flexibility in managing their budgets. Parents of children with special educational needs, who often rely on private schools due to inadequacies in state provision, are particularly concerned. “Families are incredibly committed to their children’s education and will make sacrifices to keep them in these schools for as long as possible,” one headteacher said, adding, “But no one is under any illusion that there won’t be further challenges ahead.” As the January deadline looms, the future of many private schools remains uncertain, with the financial and social consequences of these closures likely to resonate far beyond the independent education sector. Based on a report by The Times 2024-12-28 Related: Top Oxfordshire Prep School to Close Amid Controversial VAT Policy on Private Education -
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A Cultural Battle Within MAGA: Musk and Ramaswamy Clash with Hard Right Over Immigration
The MAGA movement, long championing an "America First" ethos, is experiencing internal fractures as a heated debate over the H-1B visa program exposes ideological divides within its ranks. The visa program, which allows U.S. companies to hire highly skilled foreign workers, has become a lightning rod for controversy, sparking fierce online battles and revealing deeper cultural tensions. At the center of the storm is Vivek Ramaswamy, a former GOP presidential candidate and a Trump appointee recently named co-chief of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Ramaswamy's vocal defense of the H-1B program has drawn sharp criticism from MAGA loyalists, Republican leaders, and conservative influencers alike. His controversial remarks on X highlighted what he sees as a cultural issue, arguing that America's emphasis on mediocrity over excellence hinders its ability to produce top talent. "The reason top tech companies often hire foreign-born & first-generation engineers over 'native' Americans isn't because of an innate American IQ deficit (a lazy & wrong explanation)," Ramaswamy wrote. "A key part of it comes down to the c-word: culture. Tough questions demand tough answers & if we're really serious about fixing the problem, we have to confront the TRUTH: Our American culture has venerated mediocrity over excellence for way too long." Ramaswamy’s critique extended to cultural priorities, citing '90s sitcoms as emblematic of a broader societal shift. "A culture that celebrates the prom queen over the math olympiad champ, or the jock over the valedictorian... will not produce the best engineers," he added. "If you grow up aspiring to normalcy, normalcy is what you will achieve." While his remarks resonated with some, they ignited a backlash among MAGA supporters. Former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley dismissed Ramaswamy's assessment, stating, "There is nothing wrong with American workers or American culture. All you have to do is look at the border and see how many want what we have. We should be investing and prioritizing in Americans, not foreign workers." Right-wing commentator Mike Cernovich criticized Ramaswamy’s views as dismissive of America's legacy of innovation, pointing to historical achievements like the moon landing. "Underlying your post is that we were all living in squalor until being rescued by H-1Bs. Then why did everyone want to come here?" MAGA influencers like Jack Posobiec and Laura Loomer also voiced their opposition. Posobiec questioned the prioritization of foreign talent over developing domestic expertise, while Loomer linked the H-1B program to fears of cultural erosion, invoking the "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory. Adding to the debate, Elon Musk and White House AI czar David Sacks defended limited reforms to the immigration system. Sacks highlighted inequities in green card allocation, where applicants from India face an 11-year wait while others face no delays. Musk called the argument "sensible," aligning himself with the tech industry’s call for skilled labor reforms. The clash reveals growing tensions within Trump’s coalition. While his first term saw significant cuts to the H-1B program, his current stance remains unclear. Critics warn that limiting skilled immigration could harm U.S. competitiveness in technology and healthcare, while MAGA supporters argue that stricter limits would force companies to invest in training American workers. As Trump prepares to take office for a second term, the debate over immigration and cultural values underscores broader anxieties about the direction of his administration and the evolving priorities of the MAGA movement. Based on a report by the Daily Mail 2024-12-28
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