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  On Nov. 21, a new kind of Russian missile carrying six warheads struck Dnipro, Ukraine. Senior officials said it caused limited damage. But the first combat use of such a design — which Russian President Vladimir Putin called unstoppable — has drawn scrutiny from Western military experts. By  Gerry Doyle ,  Tom Balmforth  and  Mariano Zafra Published  Nov. 28, 2024  08:00 AM GMT+2 Warheads Earth's atmosphere MIRV bus Warheads Second stage Earth's atmosphere MIRV bus Second stage First stage Earth's atmosphere MIRV bus First stage RUSSIA (Kapustin Yar) Working backwards from the impacts in Dnipro: the six warheads fell to earth after they were dropped at separate targets by a component of the missile called the Multiple Independently-targetable Reentry Vehicle (MIRV) bus. Just before releasing the warheads, the MIRV bus orients itself with onboard guidance systems so it can direct each of them toward a specific objective. The MIRV bus coasts thro...

  Singapore is a small island nation located in Southeast Asia. It is known for its high standard of living, modern infrastructure, and multicultural society. Here are some key statistics and details about Singapore:     Geography: Area: 719 square kilometers (277 square miles)     Coastline: 193 kilometers (120 miles)     Highest point: Bukit Timah Hill (163 meters / 535 feet)     Climate: Tropical, with hot and humid weather year-round     Population: Total: 6.04 million (as of June 2024)     Density: 8,207 people per square kilometer (21,267 people per square mile) Ethnic groups: Chinese (74.2%), Malay (13.7%), Indian (8.9%), other (3.2%)     Religions: Buddhist (31.1%), Christian (18.9%), Muslim (15.6%), Taoist (8.8%), Hindu (5%), other (0.6%), none (20%)     Median age: 39.4 years     Life expectancy: 82.4 years (male), 85.6 years (female) Economy: GDP: $387.5 bi...

  Paris , the City of Lights, is a global cultural and economic powerhouse. Here are some key statistics: Population: City proper: Approximately 2.15 million people Metropolitan area: Over 12 million people Geography: Located on the River Seine Total area: Approximately 105 square kilometers (41 square miles) Economy: Major economic center of France and Europe Key industries: Tourism, fashion, finance, and technology A global city with a significant international influence Tourism: One of the world's most visited cities Iconic landmarks: Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre-Dame Cathedral Cultural attractions: Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Latin Quarter Culture: A global cultural capital Home to renowned artists, musicians, and writers Rich history and heritage dating back to ancient times Transportation: Extensive public transportation system Major international airport: Charles de Gaulle Airport Well-connected by rail to other European cities

  Johannesburg, often referred to as "Jo'burg" or "Joburg," is South Africa's largest city and a major economic and cultural hub. It's known for its rich history, diverse culture, and stunning landscapes.     Key Facts and Statistics: Population: Approximately 5.6 million people (as of 2019)     Location: Gauteng Province, South Africa     Nickname: "The City of Gold"     Economy: A major financial and commercial center, known for mining, manufacturing, and services     Climate: Subtropical with hot summers and mild winters Notable Features: Gold Mining: The city's history is deeply intertwined with gold mining, which led to its rapid growth.     Soweto: A township that played a pivotal role in the struggle against apartheid. It now offers historical tours and cultural experiences.     Apartheid Museum: A must-visit for understanding South Africa's past and the impact of apartheid.   ...

  China has the world's longest high-speed railway. It only took about 20 years for the country to develop the 45,000km (28,000-mile) network. Known as an “infrastructure monster”, it is an example of the sort of development that has benefited China’s political system.  The country also exports railway technology as a key part of the Belt and Road Initiative, the central government's plan to link economies into a China-centred trading network. However, the rapid development of the high-speed transport system has also raised some important concerns.

Rio de Janeiro, often simply referred to as Rio, is a stunning coastal city located in southeastern Brazil. It is the second-most populous city in Brazil after São Paulo and the sixth-most populous city in the Americas. Renowned for its natural beauty, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks, Rio de Janeiro is a major tourist destination and a cultural hub.     Key Details: Nickname: Cidade Maravilhosa (Marvelous City)     Location: Southeastern Brazil     Capital of: State of Rio de Janeiro     Population: Approximately 6.7 million (2021 estimate) Area: 1,182.3 square kilometers (456.5 square miles)     Official Language: Portuguese     Currency: Brazilian Real (BRL)     Time Zone: UTC-3 (Brasilia Time) Statistics: GDP: Approximately $133 billion (2021 estimate) Human Development Index (HDI): 0.771 (high human development) Literacy Rate: 97.6% (2020 estimate) Unemployment Rate: 10.8% (2022 es...

  Since I first moved here, Berlin has evolved from “poor but sexy”, as former Mayor Klaus Wowereit dubbed it in 2003, to an increasingly assertive - and pricey - capital city. It still has the edgy club scene it has long been known for, but slick developments have been built over former squats, and rents have soared as Germany’s capital has attracted investors. That includes both big companies like Tesla - the U.S. electric vehicle maker’s first  manufac turing plant  in Europe opened here in 2022 - and enough startups for some to refer to it as Europe’s Silicon Valley. As a Brit who studied German at university, I first worked for Reuters in Berlin as an intern in 2005, when Angela Merkel was campaigning to become chancellor. I went on to become an economics reporter during the years of the global financial crisis. Now I’m a political correspondent, covering stories that have ranged from Germany’s foreign policy in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine to the rise of...

  Bangalore , also known as Bengaluru, is a thriving metropolis in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. Renowned for its IT industry and vibrant culture, it has earned the nickname "India's Silicon Valley." Key Facts and Statistics: Population: Over 13 million (as of 2023) Area: Approximately 741 square kilometers Elevation: Around 900 meters above sea level Climate: Pleasant tropical climate with moderate temperatures throughout the year Nickname: "Garden City" due to its numerous parks and greenery Economic Significance: IT Hub: Bangalore is a major center for information technology, with numerous multinational companies and startups. Biotechnology: The city has a growing biotechnology industry, focusing on research and development in areas like pharmaceuticals and healthcare. Aerospace: Bangalore is home to several aerospace companies and research institutions, contributing to India's aerospace industry. Cultural Highlights: Historic...

  Moving from Tehran to the more northerly lakeside city of Rasht aged 13, Khashayar Javanmardi’s youth was punctuated by weekends and extended holidays on the Iranian coastline of the Caspian Sea. “It was a dreamy place,” the photographer reminisced on a phonecall with CNN. “It was my utopia; everything happened for me at the Caspian.” Diluting this picturesque vignette, Javanmardi recalled the nuisance of the accompanying gammarus: an amphipod crustacean similar to a freshwater shrimp that would nibble at his feet whenever he ventured into the water. He had always hated them, but as he grew aware of their absence, alarm bells started to ring. “That was the first thing I noticed change,” he said. “Later I read that, due to pollution, they were extinct. They had been food for bigger species…” Climate change and a lack of rainfall has caused one of Iran's longest rivers, the Ghezel Ozen, to almost completely dry up, resulting in a devastating loss of aquatic wildlife. (Image taken i...