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On October 13, 2025, SpaceX launched its 11th full-scale Starship test flight from Texas, marking the final flight of the second-generation rocket. The Super Heavy booster executed a controlled splashdown in the Gulf of Mexico, while the Starship upper stage deployed eight mock Starlink satellites and splashed down in the Indian Ocean. This flight tested new heat shield configurations and dynamic maneuvers, advancing NASA’s Artemis lunar goals and SpaceX’s Mars ambitions.
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As of late October 2025, Russia has intensified drone and missile attacks targeting Ukraine's energy infrastructure, causing widespread blackouts across eight regions including Kyiv and Kharkiv. Ukraine's President Zelensky is in the US seeking advanced air defenses, long-range missiles like Tomahawks, and stronger sanctions on Russia. Meanwhile, Ukraine advances domestic arms production and deep-strike capabilities against Russian energy assets, while Moscow warns of escalation risks.
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Recent studies reveal a rogue planet, Cha 1107-7626, accreting gas and dust at an unprecedented rate, blurring lines between stars and planets. Meanwhile, the interstellar comet 3I/ATLAS, larger than previously thought, passed near Mars and is being closely observed. Finnish scientists also captured the first image of two black holes orbiting each other, confirming their binary nature.
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Vast's Haven Demo spacecraft launched into orbit from Cape Canaveral, aiming to establish a commercial outpost. Meanwhile, India launched its heaviest communication satellite, CMS-03, supporting military communications and lunar ambitions. The US and China progress with space-based interceptors and reusable rockets, signaling a new era in space activity.
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In late 2025, President Donald Trump began demolishing the historic East Wing of the White House to build a $300 million, 90,000-square-foot ballroom funded by corporate donors. The project has sparked bipartisan criticism over the destruction of a century-old building, displacement of the First Lady's office, and concerns about donor influence amid a government shutdown.
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On November 14, 2025, Chinese astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie safely returned to Earth after a nine-day delay caused by space debris damage to their original Shenzhou-20 return capsule. They landed in the Gobi Desert aboard the newer Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. The incident highlights growing risks from orbital debris amid China's expanding space ambitions.
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The US commits $130 million to help Vietnam address war legacy toxins and supports military cooperation, including potential arms sales. The visit by US officials aims to strengthen diplomatic and military ties amid ongoing regional security concerns.
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The Biden administration is weighing a potential sale of up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that could shift regional military balances and test Israel's qualitative military edge. The deal is under review, with final decisions pending approvals and congressional notification.
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On November 11, 2025, a Turkish C-130 military cargo plane crashed near the Georgia-Azerbaijan border shortly after departing Azerbaijan en route to Turkey. All 20 personnel aboard, including flight crew, were killed. Search and rescue operations were conducted by Turkish, Georgian, and Azerbaijani authorities. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
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Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a major reform of the U.S. military's weapons procurement system, aiming to accelerate delivery and reduce bureaucracy. The initiative responds to recent military challenges and aims to shift the focus toward rapid results, moving away from traditional, slow processes.
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The US reaffirmed plans to sell up to 48 F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia amid regional tensions and concerns over technology security. The deal, announced during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's visit to Washington, raises questions about regional military balance and Israel's qualitative military edge.
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Pedro Hernandez, convicted in 2017 for the murder of Etan Patz, has had his conviction overturned and is now set for a retrial. The Manhattan DA's office announced readiness to proceed, with jury selection due by June 1, or Hernandez will be released. The case remains a landmark in child abduction history.
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Turkey has begun constructing its TF-2000 naval air defense destroyer, part of the Steel Dome multi-layered system, and signed a deal to export a light corvette to Romania. The country is also developing its domestic missile and radar systems amid regional tensions.
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President Trump’s plans to expand the White House ballroom have led to significant construction changes, including demolishing the East Wing. The project faces internal disagreements over size and design, with new architect Shalom Baranes joining after clashes with the previous firm. Public and political reactions remain divided.
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Two months after a US-backed ceasefire, Israel has violated it over 500 times, killing over 356 Palestinians and causing Gaza's death toll to exceed 70,000. Despite claims of peace, Israel continues military operations, destruction, and restrictions, with international protests demanding an end to the ongoing violence.
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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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U.S. military and industry are rapidly developing autonomous and swarm drone technology, with recent deployments in the Middle East and increased domestic manufacturing efforts. These innovations aim to enhance battlefield mass, autonomy, and rapid production, reflecting a shift towards cheaper, disposable drones and autonomous systems amid global competition.
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Lockheed Martin has reached a framework agreement with the US Department of Defense to significantly increase production of the Patriot Advanced Capability-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (PAC-3 MSE) interceptors over seven years. The move aims to meet rising global demand amid heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflicts, including Ukraine and the Middle East. The deal, pending Congressional approval, will boost annual production from 600 to 2,000 missiles, supporting US and allied defense systems.