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US Eyes Student Visa Overhaul, 'Intent to

The United States is contemplating a significant revision to its student visa framework, including the potential elimination of the long-standing "Intent to Leave" rule, to make U.S. education more accessible and attractive to global talent. This proposed change, championed by the DIGNITY Act of 2025, aims to address a noticeable decline in international student enrollments by preventing visa denials based solely on an applicant's perceived intent to remain in the U.S. post-graduation.

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OpenFold3 AI Unveils New Drug Prediction Era

A groundbreaking AI model, OpenFold3, has been unveiled to revolutionize biomolecular science by accurately predicting the three-dimensional structures of proteins and their complex interactions with ligands and nucleic acids. Released under an open-source Apache 2.0 license, this innovative tool aims to democratize access to cutting-edge research, accelerating drug discovery, enzyme design, and biomaterials development, with major companies already integrating it into their R&D pipelines.

New Deep-Sea Life Hotspot Off Papua New

Scientists have uncovered an unprecedented deep-sea hydrothermal field off Papua New Guinea, uniquely combining hot fluid emissions with significant methane release at 1,300 meters depth. This "hybrid ecosystem" supports a vibrant array of potentially new marine species and reveals geological traces of precious metals, challenging our understanding of ocean life and geology.

Deadly Blaze Engulfs Hong Kong Estate

A devastating fire has ripped through multiple high-rise residential blocks in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, resulting in at least 36 confirmed deaths and 279 people reported missing, making it one of the city's deadliest blazes. The inferno, which rapidly spread across bamboo scaffolding during building repairs, has prompted an urgent investigation into construction site safety and the materials used.

China Launches Tiangong Rescue Mission

China has successfully launched the uncrewed Shenzhou 22 spacecraft to its Tiangong space station, initiating a critical rescue mission for three astronauts currently in orbit. This urgent deployment provides a safe return vehicle for the crew, who were left without a dedicated ride home after their original spacecraft was utilized for an earlier emergency return.

EU Fights Pollinator Decline by 2030

The European Commission officially adopted a new EU Pollinator Monitoring Scheme (EU-PoMS) on November 26, 2025, marking a significant step to reverse the alarming decline of vital insect populations like bees and butterflies by 2030. This crucial initiative provides a standardized, science-based method for tracking pollinator diversity and abundance across all Member States, supporting biodiversity and long-term food security goals.

Dark Matter Evidence Claimed by Tokyo Prof

Astrophysicist Professor Tomonori Totani from the University of Tokyo has announced a potential breakthrough in the century-long quest for dark matter, claiming to have found the first direct evidence of the elusive substance through gamma rays emanating from the Milky Way's center. This groundbreaking research, published on November 25, 2025, suggests that these gamma rays, observed with NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope, bear the signature of dark matter annihilation, potentially indicating a new particle beyond the Standard Model if independently verified.

Amnesty: RSF Commits Sudan War Crimes

Amnesty International has released a damning report detailing alleged war crimes committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) during their capture of El Fasher, Sudan, including the execution of unarmed men and widespread sexual violence against women and girls. The human rights organization is calling for accountability for these horrific acts, which exacerbate the world's largest humanitarian crisis and demand immediate international attention.

Taiwan Unveils $40B Defense vs. China

Taiwanese President William Lai Ching-te has announced a substantial $40 billion special defense budget, to be allocated over the next eight years, aiming to significantly bolster the island's defenses with advanced technology and innovation. This strategic financial commitment underscores Taiwan's resolve to achieve an "unassailable Taiwan" amidst escalating pressure and intensifying threats from Beijing, reflecting a firm stance on national security.

Global Economy Faces Turbulent Late 2025

As November 2025 draws to a close, the global economy faces significant headwinds, marked by a sharp mid-month downturn in stock markets, persistent inflation concerns, and a notable decline in consumer confidence. Central banks are navigating a complex landscape, balancing potential interest rate cuts with the U.S. Federal Reserve likely to maintain higher rates longer to firmly anchor inflation expectations.

Ethiopia Volcano Erupts, Sparks Concern

Ethiopia's Hayli Gubbi volcano erupted on November 23, 2025, for the first time in nearly 12,000 years, unleashing a massive ash plume 14-15 kilometers high that drifted eastward across the Red Sea, Arabian Peninsula, and as far as India. This unprecedented "virgin volcanic event" has captivated global scientific attention, disrupted air travel across affected regions, and raised concerns for local livestock herders in the remote Afar region.

UN/WMO: 2023-25 Hottest Years, Dire Warning

The United Nations and World Meteorological Organization have issued a dire warning, confirming that the period from 2023 to 2025 ranks among the hottest on observational records, with 2024 being the warmest year, underscoring a deepening climate crisis. This unprecedented heat streak, marked by accelerated ocean warming and record greenhouse gas concentrations, necessitates urgent global action to prevent irreversible environmental damage, even as limiting global warming to 1.5°C in the near future appears "virtually impossible.

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US Eyes Student Visa Overhaul, 'Intent to