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The Maldives, celebrated for its stunning beaches and luxurious resorts, will impose increased exit fees for travellers starting December 1, 2024, according to a report by CNN. The new charges will significantly impact foreign tourists, with economy-class fees rising from $30 to $50, and business-class fees jumping from $60 to $120. First-class passengers will see their fees surge from $90 to $240, while private jet travellers will face a steep increase from $120 to $480. The Maldivian Inland Revenue Authority (MIRA) stated that the additional revenue will support the maintenance of Velana International Airport, the archipelago's primary airport. Although these taxes will be incorporated into ticket prices, airlines are advising customers to purchase tickets before November 30 to avoid the hikes. The Maldives remains a top destination for honeymooners and celebrities seeking an exclusive getaway in its year-round warm climate.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 8 pmeznews.inRussia announced on Wednesday that it would expel a correspondent and a cameraman from Germany's ARD in retaliation for alleged German actions against journalists from Russia's Channel One, which Berlin denies. WDR, the regional arm of ARD, condemned the move, highlighting that it further restricts reporting capabilities from Moscow amidst ongoing intimidation faced by journalists for nearly three years. A German foreign ministry spokesperson refuted claims that the Channel One office in Berlin was being closed, attributing the Russian journalists' departure to residence law issues, which are managed by regional authorities independently of the federal government. The spokesperson emphasized that Russian journalists can operate freely in Germany and that the government maintains close communication with German media in Moscow due to concerns over escalating actions against journalists. Russia's Foreign Ministry stated it would consider new accreditations for ARD journalists if Germany allowed Channel One staff to work without restrictions.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 11 pmeznews.inA senior US administration official has urged Ukraine to lower its military service age to 18 in a bid to enhance its fighting capabilities amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Speaking to reporters, the official emphasized the urgent need for increased manpower, noting that Ukraine is currently not mobilizing or training sufficient new soldiers. "The need right now is manpower," he stated, highlighting that Russian forces are making steady advances in the east and pushing back Ukrainian positions in areas such as Kursk. The official underscored that a boost in mobilization could significantly impact the current battlefield dynamics, stressing the importance of strengthening Ukraine's military resources at this critical juncture.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 11 pmeznews.inSeveral nominees for Donald Trump's incoming administration have reported receiving bomb threats, prompting an investigation by the FBI. The transition team's spokeswoman, Karoline Leavitt, confirmed that these alarming threats were directed at key appointees. In a statement, Leavitt condemned the incidents as "violent, unAmerican threats" aimed at both the nominees and their families. This troubling development occurs as the Trump administration prepares for its transition from the Biden administration, raising concerns about the safety of officials involved in the process. The FBI's involvement underscores the seriousness of the threats, as the nation grapples with heightened political tensions.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 11 pmeznews.inIsrael has filed an appeal with the International Criminal Court (ICC) against its arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, issued for alleged "war crimes" during the Gaza conflict with Hamas. The Israeli government is seeking a suspension of these warrants pending the appeal's outcome, challenging the ICC's jurisdiction and legitimacy. Netanyahu's office described the court's actions as biased, particularly in light of support from the United States and France, who have condemned the warrants. However, the UK and Canada have indicated they will comply with the ICC's ruling. The warrants, which also include Hamas military leader Mohammed Deif, cite crimes against humanity and war crimes from October 8, 2023, to May 20, 2024. Netanyahu has denounced the court's actions as "anti-Semitism" and vowed to resist its authority.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 11 pmeznews.inIn Irpin, Ukraine, the remnants of a destroyed bridge, once a strategic target for Russian troops, have become a focal point for "dark tourism." Spanish traveler Alberto Blasco Ventas, 23, is among the thrill-seeking visitors drawn to the war-torn region, despite concerns from family about safety. He joined a tour organized by War Tours, which has seen a modest influx of tourists since January, primarily from Europe and America, with profits supporting the Ukrainian military. While some locals view this tourism as "blood money," others, like local councillor Mykhailyna Skoryk-Shkarivska, acknowledge its potential to generate income. Despite ethical dilemmas, the tourism sector is rebounding, with a reported 4 million foreign visitors last year, double that of 2022, as Ukraine prepares for a post-war future, leveraging its newfound global attention to boost its tourism brand.
Published: Nov 28 2024, 12 ameznews.inA viral video capturing a United Airlines passenger violently attacking his seat mid-flight has sparked widespread shock on social media. The incident, which occurred on November 16 during a flight from Austin to Los Angeles, shows the individual standing on his reclined seat, stomping on it and attempting to dismantle it. Fellow passenger Gino Galofaro filmed the chaos and intervened, along with two others, to restrain the man using zip ties and seat belts after witnessing the flight crew's inaction. Upon landing, local law enforcement met the flight, and the disruptive passenger was banned from future travel with United Airlines. The airline praised its crew for maintaining safety. Galofaro expressed a desire to reach out to the man's family to offer support, while online commentators lightheartedly joked about the bizarre episode.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 9 pmeznews.inIndia has welcomed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, viewing it as a vital step toward peace and stability in West Asia. The Ministry of External Affairs emphasized the importance of diplomacy over conflict, stating, "We have always called for de-escalation, restraint, and a return to dialogue." This ceasefire follows a year of escalating violence, triggered by Hezbollah's attacks in support of Hamas, which had previously launched a deadly assault on Israel in October 2023. While the ceasefire halts hostilities on the Lebanon front, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel's focus on Hamas and Iran will persist, threatening to retaliate if the ceasefire is breached. Displaced residents in southern Lebanon have begun returning home amidst celebrations. India’s leadership, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, has consistently advocated for dialogue and condemned terrorism in the ongoing conflict.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 10 pmeznews.inThe French foreign ministry announced on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is protected by immunity from prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC), as Israel is not a member state. The ministry stated that such immunities must be considered if the ICC requests his arrest. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot indicated that while France is committed to international justice, the decision regarding potential arrests lies with judicial authorities. This comes after the ICC issued warrants for Netanyahu and other leaders, a move he has condemned. France's cautious approach has drawn criticism, with Amnesty International labeling it "deeply problematic," while some French politicians accused the government of capitulating to Israeli demands. Amidst these tensions, Barrot emphasized France's role in brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, hoping it will lead to reform in the region.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 10 pmeznews.inSeveral countries offer citizenship and residency programs that can transform your travel experiences, though they often come at a high cost. Understanding the distinction between citizenship and residency is crucial; citizenship grants full rights, including a passport and voting privileges, while residency allows for work and travel without all the same rights. Temporary residency is limited in duration, whereas permanent residency is not. Golden visas, available in nations like Portugal, Spain, and Greece, provide residency in exchange for economic investment, while Citizenship by Investment Programs (CIP) offer passports for substantial financial contributions. Additionally, digital nomad visas enable individuals to live and work abroad while paying taxes in their home country, with options in Estonia, Germany, and Norway. Though the process can be complex and expensive, the potential for new opportunities makes it an enticing option for many.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 10 pmeznews.inChina has released three Americans deemed wrongfully detained in a prisoner swap with the United States, fulfilling a significant objective of President Joe Biden's outgoing administration. The individuals—Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung—were the last Americans classified as wrongfully detained by the State Department, although other cases have been highlighted by activists. Swidan was arrested in 2012 on drug charges, which his supporters contest, while Li and Leung faced espionage convictions. A State Department spokesperson announced their imminent return to their families, coinciding with the Thanksgiving holiday, emphasizing the administration's diplomatic efforts with China. This release marks a broader trend, with over 70 unjustly detained Americans freed globally during Biden's term. The administration continues to engage with China, contrasting its approach with that of Russia, while President-elect Donald Trump has promised a more confrontational stance toward Beijing.
Published: Nov 27 2024, 10 pm
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