SpaceX's Starship, designed for future interplanetary missions, suffered a catastrophic failure on January 16, 2025, during its seventh test flight. The rocket exploded just minutes after liftoff from South Texas. Initial investigations revealed an oxygen/fuel leak above the engine firewall, causing pressure buildup and leading to the rocket’s destruction. Although the mission ended in disaster, SpaceX successfully recovered the Super Heavy booster using its "chopsticks" mechanism. Despite the setback, the company remains committed to improving the spacecraft for future missions, aiming to revolutionize space travel.
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Thailand became the first Southeast Asian country to legalize same-sex marriage on January 23, 2025. Over 200 couples registered to marry at an event organized by Bangkok Pride. The law, passed in 2024, grants same-sex couples full legal, financial, medical, adoption, and inheritance rights. Prime minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra celebrated the historic achievement, acknowledging the LGBTQ+ community's decades-long fight for equality and marking a new era of gender diversity awareness in... Expand
Like thousands of senior citizens in Ukraine, Zinaida Gyrenko was spending the sunset years of her life in a shelter, her retirement upended by Russia's invasion. She now stays at a dormitory-turned-shelter for senior citizens called Velyka Rodina, meaning Big Family, in Kharkiv city further north. The invasion launched by the Kremlin more than three years ago has disproportionately affected Ukraine's seniors.
Sean 'Diddy' Combs and Luigi Mangione are detained at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on separate serious charges, with Combs held for sex trafficking and Mangione for murder. Combs’ trial is set for May 2025, while Mangione faces court in February. Both remain in holding cells, awaiting trial.
The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation has endorsed the Arab League's counter-proposal to US President Donald Trump's Gaza plan. The proposal supports nearly 2 million Palestinians remaining in Gaza under an interim administration until a reformed Palestinian Authority takes over governance, contrasting with Trump's vision of expulsion and redevelopment.
Prince William and his family are gearing up for a bustling Christmas at Sandringham Estate with 45 guests. While the festivities will include traditional gift exchanges, church services, and lavish meals, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will be absent. Despite the excitement, the Prince admits feeling unprepared for the holiday chaos amidst his royal duties and family time.
Amy Gleason has been appointed acting administrator of the Department of Government Efficiency. Her previous experience includes working with the US Digital Service and health care startups. Elon Musk, not an employee of DOGE, advises Trump on government efficiency, sparking controversy among former US Digital Service members.
Under Elon Musk's leadership, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) utilizes AI to determine the necessity of federal employees' roles based on their weekly accomplishments. Employees who fail to respond may be considered for termination, sparking legal challenges alleging the directive was unlawfully issued.
South Korean investigators urged prosecutors to indict President Yoon Suk Yeol for rebellion, abuse of power, and obstructing parliament due to his martial law declaration. Yoon, who was impeached after troops were deployed to block the national assembly, claimed the martial law was a warning to parliament.
Georgian-Russian sculptor Zurab Tsereteli, a politically connected artist known for his monumental yet sometimes divisive works, has died aged 91, Russian news agencies reported Tuesday. He died at his home in Peredelkino, a village southwest of Moscow, "surrounded by his works", his assistant Sergei Shagulashvili told the RIA news agency.
Britain's economic growth grew by 0.1 percent in November, less than expected. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and finance minister Rachel Reeves face challenges despite a slight drop in UK inflation in December. Reeves aims to drive economic growth amid criticism. Predictions indicate economic slowdown may continue amid higher taxes and potential trade conflicts.