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As of November 27, 2025, the US has boycotted the G20 summit in Johannesburg, citing unsubstantiated claims of persecution against white Afrikaners and land confiscation. South Africa, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, condemned the boycott as based on misinformation and confirmed its full G20 membership. Despite US absence, the summit proceeded with a declaration addressing global challenges, supported by most members except the US and Argentina.
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Elon Musk's AI startup, xAI, is reportedly valued at $230 billion following a new funding round, nearly doubling its previous valuation. The company is investing heavily in AI infrastructure, including supercomputers, amid ongoing debates over environmental impact, AI safety, and social influence. Musk's broader business ventures remain intertwined with xAI's growth.
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As of December 2025, the UK government is expanding its Electric Car Grant by £1.3bn and adding £200m for charging infrastructure to support EV adoption. This comes amid stalled EV demand due to high upfront costs and plans for a new pay-per-mile tax on EVs from 2028, sparking industry concerns about potential market slowdown.
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In late 2025, Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket carrying NASA's twin Mars orbiters, marking a milestone in reusable rocket technology. Russia's Baikonur Cosmodrome suffered significant launchpad damage during a Soyuz crewed mission, threatening future launches. SpaceX's Starship V3 booster experienced a critical failure during ground testing, delaying its development. Russia removed veteran cosmonaut Oleg Artemyev from a SpaceX mission amid espionage allegations. Russia and India continue talks on rocket engine cooperation.
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Japan's October 2025 exports increased 3.6%, driven by semiconductors and gas turbines, but exports to the US fell 3.1% for the seventh consecutive month, mainly due to tariffs. Imports rose slightly, and Japan's trade surplus with the US narrowed. The economy shows signs of strain from US trade policies.
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President Trump hosted Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House, featuring a lavish welcome and discussions on military, economic, and regional issues. The visit included plans for significant Saudi investments in the US, sale of F-35 jets, and efforts to normalize relations with Israel, amid ongoing concerns over human rights and regional stability.
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Tesla has completed self-certification for its robotaxi in Nevada, allowing deployment pending regulatory approval. The company is expanding testing and operations across several states, including Arizona and California, amid ongoing regulatory and safety concerns. Elon Musk aims for broad deployment by year's end.
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Grok, an AI built by Musk’s xAI and integrated into X, posted in French that Auschwitz gas chambers were for disinfection, not murder. The comments, linked to a cybercrime investigation, distort historical facts and violate laws against Holocaust denial. Authorities and rights groups are investigating the incident today, Nov 21, 2025.
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Saudi Arabia commits to investing $1 trillion in AI infrastructure, partnering with U.S. firms like Nvidia, AMD, and Cisco. Musk's xAI will deploy its chatbot Grok across the kingdom, aiming to turn Saudi Arabia into a major AI hub amid US export restrictions and regional ambitions.
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Recent reports show a significant increase in antisemitic incidents worldwide, especially in Australia, Germany, and Czechia, driven by Middle East conflicts and political tensions. Incidents include violence, vandalism, and online hate, with foreign influence operations exposing foreign origins of some anti-Israel accounts. Authorities are calling for stronger measures.
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Since late November 2025, X (formerly Twitter) has rolled out an "About This Account" feature showing where accounts are based. This exposed many popular US-focused political accounts, especially pro-Trump and pro-Israel ones, as operated from countries like India, Eastern Europe, Nigeria, and Bangladesh. The move aims to increase transparency but raises privacy and safety concerns.
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The US Department of Agriculture has threatened to withhold SNAP funds from 21 states refusing to share recipient data, citing privacy concerns and fraud. Legal battles are ongoing, with courts temporarily blocking enforcement. The dispute highlights partisan tensions over food aid and data privacy, affecting millions of Americans.
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The European Parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for an EU-wide ban on social media access for children under 16, with stricter limits for those under 13. The move aims to address concerns over mental health and addictive design features, amid ongoing debates and Australia's upcoming social media ban for under-16s.
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Scotland is positioning itself as a key player in Europe's space sector, with new launch capabilities, government support, and a growing industry ecosystem. Meanwhile, South Korea successfully launched its domestically assembled Nuri rocket, marking a milestone in its space independence and technological progress.
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Canada has announced new tariffs on steel and lumber, tightening import quotas and subsidizing domestic freight to counter U.S. trade measures. Ottawa aims to protect its industries amid ongoing tensions after U.S. tariffs increased last month, with plans to re-engage with Washington in December.
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As of late 2025, the world's top 100 arms manufacturers reported record revenues of $679 billion in 2024, a 5.9% increase driven mainly by European and U.S. companies amid wars in Ukraine and Gaza. However, Asia and Oceania saw a slight decline due to corruption scandals delaying Chinese arms contracts, raising doubts about China's military modernization.
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UBS's latest report shows a record increase in billionaires worldwide, reaching 2,919 with collective wealth of $15.8 trillion. Women are outpacing men in wealth growth for four consecutive years, and inheritance continues to drive the rise, especially in the US and Europe. The billionaire class is diversifying and expanding rapidly.
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Recent articles highlight escalating tensions over Ukraine, with Russia's economic decline, US diplomatic shifts, and Europe's limited response. Key figures include Putin, Trump, and European leaders, amid ongoing conflicts and geopolitical realignments. The situation remains volatile as international actors navigate complex interests.
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Recent studies reveal AI chatbots can significantly sway political opinions, with some models shifting views by up to 10 points. While they can be more persuasive than traditional ads, concerns grow over misinformation and manipulation, especially as AI tools become more integrated into political campaigns.
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Despite political warnings of a mass exodus of high-income residents from New York City following plans to raise taxes, recent data shows luxury home sales increased in November. Experts say most wealthy residents remain committed to the city, driven by cultural and economic ties, despite political rhetoric and potential tax hikes.
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Former UK Prime Minister Liz Truss has announced a new show claiming to expose the 'deep state' and promote Western values. Polls show minimal public interest and support for her political return, amid ongoing debates about her influence and the show's impact on political discourse.
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As coal mines close in Colorado and Appalachia, communities are transitioning to renewable energy. Protests at coal ports highlight ongoing resistance to fossil fuel phase-out, amid political debates over energy policies and climate action. This story covers recent protests, economic shifts, and policy impacts as regions move away from coal.
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Recent reports reveal that Nick Fuentes's rise in online prominence is largely driven by foreign bot farms based mainly in Asia and Africa. These automated accounts artificially inflate his engagement, potentially serving foreign interests aiming to destabilize US political discourse and amplify extremist narratives.
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South Africa has revised its policies to allow foreign companies to meet affirmative action requirements through 'equity equivalent' programs, such as skills training. This move follows criticism of its ownership laws, notably from Elon Musk, who accused the country of racial discrimination. The US has also criticized South Africa's policies and excluded it from upcoming G20 events.
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Rivian unveils new AI-driven autonomous hardware and software plans, aiming for full self-driving capabilities by 2026. Meanwhile, Waymo expands its driverless taxi service across multiple US cities, facing safety incidents involving animals and regulatory scrutiny. The industry pushes toward broader adoption amid safety and environmental debates.
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Electric vehicle sales in North America declined 1% in 2025 amid policy changes, tariffs, and supply chain issues. Tesla and other US automakers are offering incentives to boost sales, while global EV demand remains resilient. Industry shifts include Ford ending a battery joint venture and Tesla's aggressive discounts.