Showing questions for November 01, 2025
- Total: 30 questions
Question 21 Nov 01, 2025
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What is the approximate range of Ukraine’s upgraded Liutyi drones as of late 2025?
1,000 kilometersAs reported in the Associated Press article from Kyiv, Ukrainian military officials state that their domestically produced Liutyi drones have doubled their operational range over the past year, now routinely striking targets up to 1,000 kilometers inside Russian territory. This extended reach has significantly altered the strategic dynamics of the war, allowing Kyiv to target critical infrastructure far beyond the front lines. The increased range enables strikes on oil refineries and logistics hubs deep within Russia, contributing to domestic fuel shortages there. This development underscores Ukraine’s growing indigenous defense capabilities and reduced reliance on Western-supplied long-range weapons. The drones’ affordability—around $55,000 each—also makes them a cost-effective tool against expensive Russian air defenses.
Question 22 Nov 01, 2025
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According to the Carnegie Endowment, what percentage of Russia’s nominal refining capacity has been hit by Ukrainian drone strikes?
38 per centThe Carnegie Endowment, a U.S.-based think tank, reported that Ukrainian drone attacks have struck 16 major Russian refineries, which collectively represent approximately 38% of Russia’s nominal refining capacity. Although many of these facilities resumed operations within weeks due to idle backup capacity and existing fuel reserves, the repeated strikes have still caused measurable disruption. These include gasoline rationing in some Russian regions and reduced exports of diesel and jet fuel. The campaign exemplifies Ukraine’s strategy of logistical attrition, aiming to stretch Russian air defenses and complicate military supply chains. Despite not being crippling, the cumulative impact has been described as “serious” by Western analysts.
Question 23 Nov 01, 2025
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Which U.S. President called for scrapping the Senate filibuster to end a government shutdown in November 2025?
Donald TrumpIn a social media post dated late October 2025, former and then-current U.S. President Donald Trump urged the Senate to eliminate the filibuster—often referred to as invoking the 'nuclear option'—to break a month-long government shutdown. His call broke with many Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune, who view the filibuster as essential to Senate tradition and bipartisan cooperation. Trump’s stance aimed to pressure Democrats, who were using the 60-vote threshold to demand extensions of health care subsidies. The move highlighted ongoing tensions within the Republican Party over institutional norms versus political expediency. Despite Trump’s push, Senate leadership indicated insufficient support to change the rule at that time.
Question 24 Nov 01, 2025
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What key concession did China reportedly make in its trade discussions with the U.S. in late 2025?
Lift export controls on rare-earth metalsDuring the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in South Korea, U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks that led to preliminary trade understandings. As part of the deal, China agreed to lift export restrictions on rare-earth metals—critical components in electronics and defense technologies—which the U.S. heavily relies on. In return, the U.S. committed to easing semiconductor export controls and reducing tariffs, including lowering the so-called 'fentanyl tariff' from 20% to 10%. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun confirmed Beijing’s readiness to formalize these agreements. The move signals a temporary thaw in U.S.-China trade tensions amid broader geopolitical competition.
Question 25 Nov 01, 2025
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Where was the 80-year-old Australian cruise passenger Suzanne Rees found dead in November 2025?
Lizard IslandSuzanne Rees, an 80-year-old Sydney resident, died after being accidentally left behind by the Coral Adventurer cruise ship on Lizard Island, part of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. She had disembarked for a group hike but felt unwell during the climb and was sent back alone. The ship departed without verifying all passengers had returned, and she was reported missing hours later. Her body was discovered the next day about 50 meters off the trail, likely after a fall from a slope or cliff. The incident sparked public outrage and accusations of negligence against the cruise operator for failing to conduct a proper headcount, highlighting serious lapses in passenger safety protocols.