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04 Jan 2025 — 4 min read

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In a recent legal case in Florida, Broward County Judge Andrew Siegel used virtual reality (VR) technology to assess evidence during a stand-your-ground hearing. The case involved Miguel Albisu, a wedding venue owner charged with aggravated assault for allegedly pointing a firearm at guests. The defense team presented a VR simulation designed to show the judge Albisu’s perspective during the incident, aiming to support claims of self-defense.

This marked one of the first uses of VR technology as evidence in a U.S. courtroom. The VR setup used an Oculus Quest 2 headset, enabling the judge to experience a first-person view of the event. This demonstrates the growing versatility of virtual reality, with applications now expanding into areas such as environmental monitoring, military, and even legal proceedings.

Economics & Markets:

Geopolitics & Conflicts:

The U.S. State Department has approved a $3.64 billion deal to sell Japan up to 1,200 AIM-120 air-to-air missiles, including the advanced AIM-120D-3 and AIM-120C-8 models, which are manufactured by RTX Corporation (formerly Raytheon Technologies). These missiles are known for their precision and are designed to intercept and neutralize airborne threats effectively. Along with the missiles, the deal includes guidance systems, training missiles, propulsion sections, spare parts, technical documentation, and ongoing engineering and logistical support.

The approval was formally notified to Congress on January 2, 2025, and the deal is expected to progress over the coming months, with Japan set to integrate these systems into its Air Self-Defense Force. The timeline for delivery and operational readiness will depend on production schedules and coordination between the U.S. Department of Defense, RTX, and Japan’s Ministry of Defense. This sale is part of a broader effort to bolster Japan’s defense capabilities amid growing regional security concerns in the Indo-Pacific.

Environment & Weather:

Since December 22, 2024, Ethiopia has been experiencing frequent and stronger earthquakes than usual, primarily in the Afar region, which lies in the northern part of the country along the Main Ethiopian Rift. This activity is concentrated near the Fentale and Dofan volcanic areas. Along with the earthquakes, new cracks and vents have opened up in the ground, releasing steam, mud, and gases. These changes indicate magma is moving beneath the surface and could lead to further volcanic or seismic activity.

The Afar region is part of the East African Rift, a tectonic zone where the Earth’s crust is being pulled apart. This happens because the African Plate is splitting into two smaller plates: the Nubian Plate and the Somali Plate. As the plates move away from each other, the crust stretches and weakens, allowing magma to rise and causing earthquakes and ground deformations. Scientists are closely monitoring this area because it provides important insights into how the Earth’s crust changes and what risks might emerge for nearby communities.

Space:

Yesterday, SpaceX launched a Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, carrying the Thuraya 4-NGS satellite into orbit. Built by Airbus for UAE-based Yahsat, this advanced satellite can handle up to 3,200 communication channels. It is designed to improve mobile communications across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Central Asia, supporting services for ships, planes, and land-based users with greater flexibility and reliability.

The rocket’s first stage, reused 20 times, successfully landed on SpaceX’s drone ship “A Shortfall of Gravitas” in the Atlantic ocean. This mission marks SpaceX’s first mission of the year and is part of their plans to launch over 150 rockets in 2025. By deploying satellites like Thuraya 4-NGS, SpaceX is contributing to improved global connectivity and advancing key space technologies.