EZ News 01/08/25

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened down 129-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 23,522 on turnover of 9.4-billion N-T. Shares in Taiwan extended their momentum from a session earlier to close above the 23,600 point level Tuesday, with the bellwether electronics sector continuing to drive the broader market higher after a rally by tech stocks in the United States overnight. Analysts say "Investors continued to chase TSMC amid optimism over artificial intelligence development", but "Non-tech stocks largely moved in weakness and also capped the gains on the broader market". UK Launches Electronic Travel Authorization The UK has introduced its Electronic Travel Authorization system, now required for visa-exempt (免除，豁免) travelers, including Taiwanese nationals with a National ID number. Starting today, visitors must apply online or via the UK ETA app before entering the UK. Each application costs ￡10 Pounds, or around 410NT, and takes about three working days to process. Approved ETAs are valid for two years, allowing multiple entries, with each stay capped at six months. Meanwhile, the EU's European Entry/Exit System, initially planned for November 2024, has been delayed due to unfinished upgrades at Schengen airports. No new launch date has been announced. Taiwanese passport holders can still enter Schengen countries visa-free for now. Updates on the EES will follow as details become available. (PB) LA Evacuations Amid Fastmoving Wildfire Thousands of people in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood west of Los Angeles have been ordered to evacuate (撤離) due to a fast-moving wildfire. Dangerous windy conditions are forecast to continue into Wednesday. Ira Spitzer has more from California. Australia Plane Crash Leaves Dead and Missing Officials say three people have been seriously injured and another three are missing after a seaplane crashed off an Australian tourist island. Police say only one of the seven people aboard the Cessna 208 Caravan was rescued without injury after the crash during takeoff from Rottnest Island on Tuesday afternoon. The plane was returning to its base in Perth. Officials say specialist (專家) investigators are being sent to the scene. The three injured people were flown to a Perth hospital in serious but stable conditions. Britain Hearing on Shein Labor Practices A lawyer for Shein summoned to a British parliamentary hearing has evaded questions on whether the fast-fashion giant sells products containing cotton from China. That angered lawmakers seeking answers on the retailer’s labor practices and allegations of forced labor in its supply chains. Executives from Shein and its rival Temu were grilled on their labor rights compliance and how they source their products at Parliament’s business and trade committee Tuesday. Committee officials say statements by the Shein lawyer have given lawmakers “zero confidence” in the integrity (正直，誠實) of Shein’s supply chains. The hearing came amid reports that Shein is preparing for a $62 billion US dollar listing in London. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn