The Nation Newspaper

Category: Foreign

  • Lessons for Nigeria’s parties from China’s eight-point decision

    Lessons for Nigeria’s parties from China’s eight-point decision

    Nigeria’s political landscape is characterised by a plethora of political parties with over 100 applications pending before the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). This is besides the existing 19 political parties that participated in the last 2023 general elections. 

    However, the issue lies not in the number of parties but in their lack of structure, ideology, and internal cohesion. Citizens’ apathy towards politics is a direct result of the parties’ failure to deliver on their campaign promises and contain the excesses of their members.

    The Importance of Structured Political Parties

    A well-structured political party is essential for good governance. Parties should be purposeful and ideologically driven, with entrenched manifestos that guide their actions. Unfortunately, Nigerian political parties often lack these essential qualities, leading to a lack of accountability and transparency.

    The Problem with Nigerian Political Parties

    Nigerian political parties are often indistinguishable from one another, with no entrenched manifestos or internal structures. They fail to hold their members accountable, leading to a lack of transparency and accountability. INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, has repeatedly urged political parties to strengthen their internal structures to avoid pre-election litigation.

    The Chinese Eight-Point Decision provides a model for reform if the country is to get its democracy right and fully entrenched. 

    The Communist Party of China (CPC) has been in government since 1949 and has evolved over time. In 2012, Xi Jinping introduced the Eight-Point Decision, a set of rules aimed at improving working conduct and governance. The decision has been hailed as a “game changer” in China’s governance, promoting public participation, oversight, and clean government.

    Read Also: NFVCB CEO advocates enhanced Nigeria-China partnership through film

    Key Features of the Eight-Point Decision

    The Eight-Point Decision established rules for Party leaders governing research tours, meetings, documentation, and other official duties. It aimed to address chronic bureaucratic issues, including official privileges and extravagant banquets. The decision has been implemented with tangible and lasting effect, promoting a profound shift in the Party’s approach and transforming the nation’s ethos.

    Impact of the Eight-Point Decision

    The Eight-Point Decision has had a significant impact on China’s governance. It has:

    -Promoted public participation and oversight: By increasing transparency and accountability, the decision has empowered citizens to hold officials accountable.

    – Fostered a level playing field: By curbing extravagance and rent-seeking behaviors, the decision has promoted fair competition and merit-based decision-making.

    – Strengthened the Party’s leadership: By propelling a revolutionary self-purification within the Party ranks, the decision has enhanced the Party’s advanced nature and purity.

    Key Lessons for Nigeria

    The Eight-Point Decision offers valuable lessons for Nigeria’s political parties. By adopting similar reforms, parties can:

    – Promote accountability and transparency: By curbing extravagance and rent-seeking behaviors, parties can ensure that public funds and resources are allocated efficiently.

    – Foster a level playing field: By promoting fair competition and merit-based decision-making, parties can create a more level playing field for businesses and individuals.

    -Strengthen social foundations*: By addressing pressing issues and improving official conduct, parties can earn the trust and support of the people.

    Conclusion

    As Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle, it is essential for political parties to take a cue from China’s Eight-Point Decision. By adopting similar reforms, parties can promote good governance, accountability, and transparency. This can help to build trust between citizens and government, and ultimately, drive development and progress in the country.

  • Allison announces speakers for second edition of Africa Breakfast Conversations at UNGA 80

    Allison announces speakers for second edition of Africa Breakfast Conversations at UNGA 80

    • *Aig-Imoukhuede to headline fireside on Africa’s investment landscape, as African leaders speak on youth potential, innovation, others

    Allison Worldwide, Black House Media (BHM), and The King’s Trust Group have announced the stellar line-up of speakers for the second edition of the exclusive Africa Breakfast Conversations (ABC), taking place on Friday, September 26, at the World Trade Center, New York, on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 80).

    Headlining the event is an exclusive fireside chat featuring one of Africa’s most influential business leaders, Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, the Chairman of Access Bank, CEO of Coronation Group, and a member of The King’s Trust Africa Advisory Board. Aig-Imoukhuede, one of Africa’s most respected bankers and investors, and his session will focus on Africa’s investment landscape, exploring high-impact investment opportunities, bridging African entrepreneurs to global capital, and unlocking Africa’s youth as an investment engine.

    Under the theme “African Innovation: Building Together for Sustainable Development,” this high-level gathering will unite influential voices from business, government, technology, media, and philanthropy to explore how African-led innovation and cross-sector partnerships can fast-track progress toward the UN SDGs.

    The 2025 edition features high-level conversations, including a panel titled “Generation Potential—Powering Africa’s Youth Through Nutrition, Skills, Access & Opportunity.” The panel session will feature bold conversation on fueling Africa’s future through nutrition, education, and opportunity.

    The panelists for the session are Wawira Njiru, Founder and CEO, Food4Education; Geoffrey Kasangaki, CEO, Asante Africa Foundation; Abeiku Greene, the outgoing Executive Director, Junior Achievement Ghana; and Ben Ovio, Chief Responsibility Executive, ENDIP International.

    The panel will be moderated by Claudine Moore, the Managing Director, Africa, Allison Worldwide, and one of ABC’s hosts.

    Read Also: Tiwa Savage’s UNGA encounter with Osinbajo sparks admiration

    Also, a panel focusing on Africa’s Role in the Future of Technology, Media, AI, and Finance, to explore how Africa’s tech and creative ecosystems are shaping global influence, will be led by leading industry experts and business leaders, which includes Iyin Aboyeji, Founding Partner, Future Africa, and co-founder of Flutterwave and Andela; Ayeni Adekunle, Founder and CEO, BHM; Kayode Akintemi, Managing Director, News Central TV; Cuppy, DJ, philanthropist, and King’s Trust Global Ambassador; and Sonny Iroche, Senior Academic Advisor, African Studies Centre, Oxford University.

    This panel will be moderated by Wendu Nwakanma, Vice President, Northeast Regional Business Development Lead, Goldman Sachs.

    The event will also feature the launch of the Second Edition of the Africa Business Cultural Intelligence Report by Allison Africa, offering actionable insights for global and pan-African businesses operating in five high-potential economies, including Ghana, Rwanda, Egypt, Angola, and Côte d’Ivoire.

    “Africa’s growth story is real, and the Africa Breakfast Conversations is fast becoming the go-to platform for authentic cross-sector collaboration around Africa’s development. From youthful innovators to tech disruptors and global investors, the event will spark the bold ideas, partnerships, and investments that will power Africa’s next decade of growth,” Claudine Moore, Managing Director, Africa at Allison Worldwide, stated.

    Launched in 2024 by Allison Worldwide and BHM in partnership, Africa Breakfast Conversations was created to foster meaningful dialogue between African innovators, global investors, and development leaders during UNGA.

  • What Nigeria can learn from the China’s poverty eradication model

    What Nigeria can learn from the China’s poverty eradication model

    In a world grappling with persistent poverty, China has emerged as a global model for successful poverty eradication—lifting nearly 800 million people out of extreme poverty since 1978. This staggering achievement, which accounts for approximately 75 percent of global poverty reduction, has drawn attention from policymakers and development experts worldwide, including Nigeria.

    A joint report by China’s State Council and the World Bank titled Four Decades of Poverty Reduction in China describes the feat as “historically unprecedented.” Rural disposable income in previously impoverished counties rose from 6,079 yuan in 2013 to 16,396 yuan ($2,316) in 2023, underscoring the long-term impact of targeted poverty alleviation efforts.

    Central to China’s strategy was the vision of a “Moderately Prosperous Society,” a concept that guided national policy for decades. President Xi Jinping redefined prosperity not merely by GDP growth but by the complete elimination of extreme poverty. “We cannot announce the complete construction of a ‘moderately prosperous society’ if the living standards of tens of millions remain below the poverty line,” Xi declared.

    Read Also: Blackmail won’t stop me from doing my job – Wike

    This philosophy set the tone for a nationwide mobilization that left no village or remote community behind. China’s approach combined agricultural reform, industrialization, urbanization, and massive infrastructure development with targeted social programs. Key strategies included relocating people from remote areas, integrating environmental protection with income generation, and expanding access to education and healthcare.

    The success of China’s Party-led governance system in implementing these policies offers valuable lessons for Nigeria, especially under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

    Vice President Kashim Shettima recently articulated the administration’s transformative vision, describing it as a “covenant between us and the people.” He emphasized Nigeria’s readiness to embrace global opportunities and reposition itself as a prime investment destination.

    Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, added that the Renewed Hope Agenda goes beyond macroeconomic reforms. “It is about creating concrete opportunities for prosperity across sectors—for individuals, for families, and for communities,” he said.

    The administration’s roadmap includes bold reforms such as the removal of fuel subsidies, which Idris described as a “painful but necessary” decision. The savings from this policy shift are now funding major infrastructure projects like the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Superhighway, Sokoto-Badagry Superhighway, Kaduna-Kano Standard Gauge Railway, and the Abuja-Kaduna-Kano Expressway.

    In addition, over 900,000 small businesses have benefited from the Presidential Conditional Grant and Loan Scheme, while thousands of students are accessing higher education through the Students’ Loan Scheme.

    Experts argue that Nigeria’s push for local government financial autonomy could be a game-changer in bridging the urban-rural divide. With increased allocations and freedom to implement grassroots projects, local governments are poised to drive employment and economic activity at the community level.

    The creation of Regional Development Commissions across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones and the recent establishment of the Ministry of Livestock Development further signal the administration’s commitment to inclusive growth. These initiatives mirror China’s rural revitalization efforts and could help Nigeria close the gap between urban and rural communities.

    As Nigeria navigates its path toward economic renewal, China’s experience offers a compelling reminder: with visionary leadership, targeted policies, and inclusive governance, poverty can be not just reduced—but eradicated.

  • Trump hails Charlie Kirk as ‘martyr’ as thousands fill memorial service

    Trump hails Charlie Kirk as ‘martyr’ as thousands fill memorial service

    US President Donald Trump hailed the conservative activist Charlie Kirk as a “great American hero” and “martyr” during a speech to tens of thousands of mourners at a memorial service in Arizona.

    Trump was the headline speaker at the packed event on Sunday, which saw top officials from his administration, including Vice-President JD Vance, praise Kirk’s political legacy after he was shot dead on 10 September.

    Kirk’s wife, Erika, delivered a tearful speech at the State Farm Stadium near Phoenix, in which she said she had forgiven her husband’s alleged killer.

    But the US president broke with her forgiveness message to say he disagreed with Charlie Kirk’s view of wanting the best for his opponent.

    “I hate my opponent and I don’t want the best for them,” he said, adding: “I’m sorry, Erika.”

    It was a contrast to the words spoken by Ms Kirk earlier, who delivered perhaps the most powerful moment of the service. 

    “My husband, Charlie, he wanted to save young men, just like the one who took his life,” she said, adding: “I forgive him because it is what Christ did. The answer to hate is not hate.”

    Tens of thousands of people queued for hours outside the stadium before the event, with some even camping out the night before to secure their spot. Many wore Make America Great Again (Maga) hats, other Trump-branded items and red, white and blue outfits. 

    Inside the stadium, the mood and atmosphere resembled a raucous political rally or megachurch service with music beforehand from Christian bands who prompted singalongs and prayer from the crowd of almost 100,000.

    The list of speakers included members of Kirk’s organisation, Turning Point USA, which focuses on conservative activism on college campuses, well-known figures in the conservative movement, Trump administration officials and those who said they had been shaped by Kirk’s work and right-wing Christian worldview.

    They stressed the need to continue the 31-year-old’s activism and emphasised his deep faith throughout the five-hour service. Kirk, who was debating students at a university in Utah when he was shot dead, was repeatedly described as a martyr and cast as a historic figure for the conservative movement.

    BBC

  • UK, Australia, Canada okays Palestinian state

    UK, Australia, Canada okays Palestinian state

    The governments of the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia announced yesterday that they will symbolically recognise a Palestinian state despite vociferous opposition from the United States and Israel.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer yesterday confirmed the widely anticipated announcement, saying the move is intended “to revive hope of peace for the Palestinians and Israelis.”

    “Let’s be frank. Hamas is a brutal terror organisation. Our call for a genuine two-state solution is the exact opposite of their hateful vision,” Starmer said. “So, we are clear, this solution is not a reward for Hamas, because it means Hamas can have no future, no role in government, no role in security.”

    It is a watershed moment for Palestinians and their decades-long ambitions for statehood.

    “Canada recognises the State of Palestine and offers our partnership in building the promise of a peaceful future for both the State of Palestine and the State of Israel,” Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney wrote on social media.

    Read Also: JJ ‘Dejocular’ Okonkwo brings Afrobeats to Canada’s airwaves

    The prime minister of Australia, Anthony Albanese, said in a statement that the announcement alongside those from the U.K. and Canada are part of a “co-ordinated international effort to build momentum for a two-state solution.”

    “Today’s act of recognition reflects Australia’s longstanding commitment to a two-state solution, which has always been the only path to enduring peace and security for the Israeli and Palestinian people,” Albanese said in a statement.

    Though the move is largely symbolic, it is a historic moment as the U.K. arguably laid the groundwork for the creation of the Israeli state when it was in control of what was then known as Palestine in 1917.

    More than 140 countries have already taken that step and more are expected to do so at the U.N. General Assembly this week, including France.

    French President Emmanuel Macron said on “Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan” that France’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state is necessary to combat Hamas.

    “The objective of Hamas is absolutely not to create a Palestinian state,” he said. “The objective of Hamas is to destroy Israel, to convince the maximum number of people that they have no chance to have peace and stability, and precisely a Palestinian state. And to kill the maximum number of Israeli people. And this is why, if we want to stop this war, if we want to isolate Hamas, the recognition process and the peace plan which goes with this recognition process is a precondition.”

    The UK’s recognition of a Palestinian state comes just days after a state visit from U.S. President Trump, during which he voiced his disapproval of the plan.

    “I have a disagreement with the prime minister on that score,”Trump said.

    Critics, including the U.S. and the Israeli government, which have shown no interest in a two-state solution, have condemned the plans, saying it rewards Hamas for its attack on Oct. 7, 2023. As well as arguing that recognition is immoral, critics argue that it’s an empty gesture given that the Palestinian people are divided into two territories — the West Bank and Gaza — with no recognised international capital.

    The war started on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas-led terrorists killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted 251 people in their attack on southern Israel. Forty-eight hostages remain in Gaza, with many released through ceasefires or other agreements. Israel believes about 20 are still alive, though the bodies of two hostages were recovered during a joint operation in late August. 

    The Palestinian head of mission in the U.K., Husam Zomlot, told CBS News partner the BBC that recognition would right a colonial-era wrong.

    “The issue today is ending the denial of our existence that started 108 years ago, in 1917,” he said. “And I think today, the British people should celebrate a day when history is being corrected, when wrongs are being righted, when recognition of the wrongs of the past are beginning to be corrected.”

  • Passengers face more disruption after cyber attack on European airports

    Passengers face more disruption after cyber attack on European airports

    Passengers are experiencing continued travel disruption at multiple European airports, including London Heathrow, following an alleged cyber attack that impacted a key service provider responsible for check-in and boarding systems.

    Delays and service interruptions were reported at Heathrow, Brussels, and Berlin airports on Saturday, after a “technical issue” affected Collins Aerospace – a company that provides check-in and boarding support to numerous airlines worldwide.

    The issues began on Friday night and extended into Saturday, causing flight delays and cancellations as airlines resorted to manual check-in and boarding procedures.

    Travellers flying from Heathrow’s Terminal 4 reported long queues, uncertainty, and confusion about whether they would be able to depart as scheduled.

    Heathrow said yesterday that passengers should check their flight status before travelling to the west London airport.

    Read Also: NAMA extends advanced satellite system to 26 airports

    “Work continues to resolve and recover from Friday’s outage of a Collins Aerospace airline system that impacted check-in,” Heathrow said.

    “We apologise to those who have faced delays, but by working together with airlines, the vast majority of flights have continued to operate.

    “We encourage passengers to check the status of their flight before travelling to Heathrow and to arrive no earlier than three hours for long-haul flights and two hours for short-haul.”

    British Airways operations at Terminal 5 were not affected and continued as normal, according to airport sources.

    Across other terminals, around 14 flights were cancelled and several more were delayed on Saturday, though it remains unclear which of these disruptions were directly caused by the technical issue.

    Brussels Airport confirmed the cyber attack in a statement: “The service provider is actively working on the issue and trying to resolve the problem as quickly as possible.

    “This has a large impact on the flight schedule and will, unfortunately, cause delays and cancellations of flights.”

    The airport also warned that cancellations and delays would likely extend into yesterday.

    Meanwhile, Berlin Airport posted an update on its website, noting increased wait times at check-in due to the issue.

    Collins Aerospace acknowledged the disruption and stated: “We have become aware of a cyber-related disruption to our Muse (multi-user system environment) software in select airports.

    “We are actively working to resolve the issue and restore full functionality to our customers as quickly as possible.

    “The impact is limited to electronic customer check-in and baggage drop and can be mitigated with manual check-in operations.”

    The European Commission, which plays a role in overseeing airspace across the continent, is monitoring the situation. However, it has so far indicated that the alleged cyber attack does not appear to be widespread or critical in scope.

    A spokesperson said: “The commission is closely monitoring the cyber attack that has disrupted airline check-in and boarding systems for several airlines across multiple airports globally.

  • Top seven countries with highest number of satellites in space (2025)

    Top seven countries with highest number of satellites in space (2025)

    Satellites now form the backbone of everyday life, driving communication, navigation, weather forecasting, Earth observation and military surveillance across the globe.

    New data released in 2025 from international registries reveals the exact number of active satellites in orbit, offering a clear measure of each nation’s space presence.

    A handful of countries have emerged as clear leaders, with their fleets in orbit reflecting not just technological capacity but also geopolitical influence and strategic ambitions.

    Here are the Top 7 Countries with the highest number of satellites in space in 2025

    1. United States

    The United States dominates the global space race, with 8,530 satellites currently in orbit. More than 7,400 of these belong to Starlink, underscoring the scale of private-sector involvement. America’s fleet spans military, scientific and commercial uses, cementing its unrivalled lead in both scale and diversity.

    2. Russia

    Russia follows distantly in second place with 1,559 satellites. Its constellation is heavily weighted toward communications, Earth observation and military functions. Moscow has outlined plans for further growth in defence and navigation over the next decade.

    3. China

    China ranks third with 906 active satellites. The network underpins its BeiDou navigation system, remote sensing, defence and communications. With frequent launches each year, Beijing continues to press its challenge to both Washington and Moscow for space dominance.

    4. United Kingdom

    The United Kingdom holds fourth position with 763 satellites. Its fleet serves intelligence, surveillance, communications, science and commerce, driven by a robust private sector working alongside government initiatives.

    5. Japan

    Japan maintains 203 satellites in orbit, supported by its Quasi-Zenith Satellite System for navigation as well as missions in Earth observation, science and state operations. Tokyo’s programme is known for its emphasis on precision and innovation.

    Read Also: LAUTECH working with police to unravel student’s death off-campus – Registrar

    6. India

    India sits seventh on the global list with 136 satellites. Contributions come from the Indian Space Research Organisation, universities and a growing private sector, reflecting the country’s rising role in global space activity.

    7. France

    France operates over 100 satellites, focused on military intelligence, imaging and space defence trials. Paris also participates in wider European projects, reinforcing the continent’s collective presence in orbit.

  • FULL LIST: Countries with friendly visa schemes Nigerians can consider aside US, UK, Canada

    FULL LIST: Countries with friendly visa schemes Nigerians can consider aside US, UK, Canada

    For many Nigerians, the pursuit of japa-seeking greener pastures abroad- has long centered on the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada. However, with visa rejection rates on the rise and relocation costs reaching new heights, a growing number of hopeful migrants are beginning to shift their focus beyond these traditional destinations.

    In response, several countries are quietly emerging as attractive alternatives, offering simplified visa processes, lower living expenses, and clearer pathways to residency. Migration experts say these options are drawing increased interest from Nigerians eager to explore opportunities outside the so-called “big three.”

    Here are three exciting options you can try out

    1. Germany – Work and Student-Friendly Pathways

    Germany has become one of the hottest destinations for Nigerians seeking better opportunities. Its Job Seeker Visa allows qualified professionals to move first and look for work for up to six months. For students, tuition fees are relatively low compared to other Western countries, and the post-study work visa gives ample time to secure a job. The demand for skilled workers in sectors like IT, engineering, and healthcare makes Germany a practical “Japa” option.

    Read Also: Beyond the UK, US, and Canada: Three countries with simplified visa routes

    2. Portugal – Golden Visa and Startup Routes

    Portugal has carved a niche as one of Europe’s easiest entry points. Through its D7 Visa (for passive income earners or remote workers) and Golden Visa (for investors), it offers multiple flexible residency routes. The cost of living is lower than most Western European nations, and after five years of residency, one can apply for citizenship, making it a long-term escape plan for those serious about relocation.

    3. Australia – Points-Based Skilled Migration

    Australia runs a points-based immigration system that often favours young, skilled applicants. Occupations like nursing, teaching, IT, and construction are in high demand, giving Nigerians with the right qualifications a chance to secure permanent residency. Australia’s Temporary Graduate Visa makes it easy for international students to transition into the workforce after studies.

  • Yahoo, Google demand cash for email service offering

    Yahoo, Google demand cash for email service offering

    This is not the best of time for Yahoo users. When they open their email boxes, the message popping up warns them about the imminence of the cessation of services to except they subscribe more space or delete old items to free up space.

    Yahoo Mail user, who simply identified himself as Simeon, recounted that he had used the platform for over a decade and had received vital information about his banking transaction and travels out of the country.

    Getting a sudden message from Yahoo Mail therefore got him upset and at the same time worried.

    “As usual, I opened my email and the message I received was a warning that I might not be able to send or receive emails over the next two months if I failed to pay for subscription by way of more space or delete files that have consumed huge spaces.

    “Initially, I opted for deleting old emails. I deleted well over 5,000 emails and pictures and the message disappeared,” he said.

    According to him, three weeks after, the message reappeared warning him about lack of storage space and the same options were given.

    READ ALSO: 19 top African fashion designers shaping global style in 2025

    He said by the nature of his job, there were certain mails and images he couldn’t afford to let go. Hence, he embraced the option of paying for more space.

    “At my wits end, I agreed to buy about 20 GB but was frustrated by the payment method. The United States dollar is the vehicle for payment. I didn’t have a domiciliary account and efforts to pay with my naira card was frustrated. So I gave up the idea and went back to free more spaces,” he said.

    For Mrs. Esther Kokumo, she had enjoyed her Gmail account for over a decade. According to her, she had opened the Gmail account after some internet roughnecks hijacked her Yahoo Mail account, reset her password and shut her permanently out of the account.

    For so long, she enjoyed the services of Gmail until recently, she received a message with a sign that looked like a fire alert on her email.

    Like Yahoo Mail, the message read: “Your Gmail storage is 99% full. You’ve used 17 GB of the 17 GB of Google Account storage that is shared across Google Drive, Gmail, and Google Photos.

    “Once you run out of space, you won’t be able to: Send and receive emails on Gmail; Back up new photos and videos to Google Photos; Upload new files to Google Drive; Edit or create new files using Google Docs, Sheets, Slides, Forms, and more.

    “The app gave me options to either get more storage or clean up space. I chose the latter but when I clicked, it took me to the Google storage manager from where I saw Emails with large attachments 1 GB; Large photos and videos 32 MB; Spam emails 267 KB; and Large Drive files 6KB. It gave me an opportunity to review each of these files before deleting them.

    “I chose to delete despite another message saying: Keep more files and photos. Get 100 GB of storage for usually N1, 900 per month now, N470 for three months,” Mrs. Kokumo said.

    According to her, she did not want to start what she cannot finish. “If I click now, they could just continue to increase their prices. These are companies that don’t have offices here. We just entrust them with a vital data which we don’t even know what they do with it,” she said.

    A telecom sector analyst said the companies are not out to charity; they are in for business and to make profit. “Their strategy has worked. Their business model too is superb. They first allow you to enjoy the freebies, making sure that you were already used to it before slamming charges on you.

    “I am sure not many people will be willing to lose their emails because it has become an indispensable adjunct to modern life. You book your flight via your mail, get visa appointments and even bank alerts via it, so you can see how indispensable the email has become,” he said on condition of anonymity.

    Yahoo Mail started demanding payment for certain aspects of its platform use, primarily related to storage. The free storage limit for Yahoo Mail has been drastically reduced to 20GB, and users who exceed that limit must either delete emails or pay for additional storage to continue sending and receiving emails.

    Yahoo offers paid storage plans such as 100GB for $1.99 per month and 1TB for $9.99 per month. Additionally, Yahoo Mail Plus, a premium subscription, costs around $5 per month and includes features like 200GB storage and an ad-free interface.

    “Users who do not upgrade may find their abilities to use some services restricted, though mailbox access remains for managing storage. This change has caused dissatisfaction among many users, especially those who have used the service for a long time and now face unexpected fees.

    Yahoo Mail offers a straightforward pricing model with one main paid plan at $5 per month for five TB storage and premium features.

    Gmail provides more tiered options starting at $1.99/month for 100 GB, with higher tiers offering advanced Workspace and AI features up to $21.99/month.

    Microsoft Outlook’s personal plan is around $6.99 with one TB storage bundled with Office 365 apps.

    Yahoo Mail’s storage offering is very competitive, giving five TB at a mid-range price while Gmail’s cheapest 100 GB plan is much cheaper but with less storage.

    Gmail and Outlook provide broader productivity features and business-focused plans which Yahoo Mail lacks.

    Overall, Yahoo Mail’s paid plan provides excellent value on raw storage at $5 for five TB but less flexibility and additional features compared to Gmail’s tiered ecosystem or Outlook’s productivity suite integration.

  • Trump, UK PM split on Palestine, energy, and migration

    Trump, UK PM split on Palestine, energy, and migration

    United States President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a joint press conference at the Prime Minister’s country residence in Buckinghamshire, where both leaders affirmed their commitment to stronger ties but diverged sharply on the recognition of Palestine, energy policy, and illegal migration.

    Starmer, who hosted Trump as part of the ongoing state visit, defended Britain’s recent decision to recognise Palestine, describing it as part of a “roadmap to peace” in the Middle East.

    “We absolutely agree on the need for peace and a roadmap because the situation in Gaza is intolerable,” Starmer said. “The hostages must be freed and aid must get into Gaza at speed. The question of recognition needs to be seen as part of that overall package which takes us from the appalling situation we are in now to the outcome of a safe and secure Israel and a viable Palestinian state.”

    Trump, however, rejected the recognition move outright, insisting the priority must be the release of Israeli hostages.

    “Well, simply, I want the hostages released now, right now,” he said. “We are the ones who got many, many hostages released. I have heard stories like I never thought possible: no humanity, no warmth. We have to remember October 7th, one of the worst, most violent days in the history of the world. I have a disagreement with the Prime Minister on that score, one of our few disagreements actually.”

    On energy, Trump renewed his familiar call to “drill baby drill,” contrasting sharply with Starmer’s insistence on pursuing renewables alongside traditional energy.

    “We have to drill,” Trump declared. “We have to frack, we have to drill, we have to get energy. The United States was energy independent when I left. Now we are not, and it is very bad for the world.”

    Starmer countered that Britain would stick to its balanced approach. “I believe in a mix that includes renewables and investment in green energy while making the best use of our existing resources,” he said.

    On illegal migration, both leaders stressed the need for strong borders but offered different prescriptions. Trump issued his usual dire warning.

    Read Also: Trump threatens severe consequences against ‘wrongful’ detention of U.S. nationals abroad

    “Migration will destroy countries if it is not checked,” he told reporters. “I see what is happening in Europe. We had millions of people flowing in under the last administration, totally unchecked. That cannot continue.”

    Starmer pointed to a recent returns agreement with the European Union as evidence of progress under his government. “We have struck a deal that will allow us to return those who come here illegally. It is the right and fair thing to do,” he said.

    Despite the sharp exchanges, both men emphasised the strength of the transatlantic alliance.

    “The United States and the United Kingdom are bound by history, by values and by friendship,” Trump said. Starmer echoed him, saying:

    “We will not agree on everything, but the partnership remains strong. It is vital for our people and for the world.”