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President Trump announced Iran is engaged in discussions to avert military strikes, even as the U.S. dramatically escalated pressure by deploying a naval battle group, including the USS Abraham Lincoln. This tense standoff follows American threats of intervention after Iran's crackdown on widespread anti-government protests, with Iran's Supreme Leader warning that any U.S. attack would ignite a regional war.
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was sentenced to 10 years in prison on February 2, 2026, for corruption charges stemming from alleged irregularities in land allocations within the Purbachal New Town housing project. This significant verdict, which also implicated her niece British MP Tulip Siddiq and other relatives, further compounds her political isolation following her 2024 ousting, a prior death sentence, and her party's exclusion from upcoming elections.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has publicly lambasted Trevor Noah, host of the 68th Grammy Awards, and threatened legal action over remarks made during the recent ceremony. Trump accused Noah of making "false and defamatory claims" after the comedian reportedly joked about the former president's connection to Jeffrey Epstein, vowing to sue him for a substantial sum.
A groundbreaking study from the Weizmann Institute of Science reveals that genetics accounts for approximately 50 percent of the variation in human lifespan, a figure substantially higher than previous estimates. This significant finding, derived from sophisticated mathematical models and extensive twin databases, redefines our understanding of longevity and could profoundly influence future aging research and public health initiatives.
Stanford University researchers have achieved a significant breakthrough in quantum computing by developing miniature optical cavities that efficiently collect light from individual atoms, directly addressing a major challenge in scaling quantum systems. This innovation enables the simultaneous reading of many qubits, paving the way for future quantum computers with millions of qubits and potentially revolutionizing data centers with dramatically faster communication.
Global markets experienced a significant downturn on February 2, 2026, fueled by escalating concerns over US interest rates and the potential for an artificial intelligence stock bubble. This widespread rout, intensified by President Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve, led to sharp declines across Asian shares, precious metals, and technology stocks.
As AI and neurotechnology rapidly advance, scientists warn that humanity's understanding of consciousness is critically lagging, posing significant ethical and existential risks. This urgent disparity necessitates defining consciousness and developing robust scientific tests for awareness, which could revolutionize medicine, AI development, and our fundamental concepts of responsibility and rights for both biological and artificial entities.
India's Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget for fiscal year 2026-27, emphasizing sustained economic growth and fiscal consolidation with an estimated fiscal deficit of 4.3% of GDP. The budget significantly boosts public capital expenditure to an unprecedented ₹12.2 lakh crore for FY27, an 11.5% increase, aiming to drive infrastructure development, job creation, and strengthen key sectors like manufacturing and MSMEs towards the "Viksit Bharat" vision by 2047.
Gaza's Rafah border crossing with Egypt is set to resume limited travel on Monday, February 2, 2026, marking a significant step towards alleviating the territory's prolonged isolation as part of the US-brokered Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. This initial reopening, supervised by a European Union Border Assistance Mission, will permit a limited number of Palestinians to cross daily, primarily those requiring urgent medical treatment abroad and residents returning home.
Carlos Alcaraz made history by defeating Novak Djokovic to win his first Australian Open title, a monumental victory that also completed his career Grand Slam. At just 22 years old, Alcaraz became the youngest man in tennis history to achieve this remarkable feat, solidifying his status as a dominant force in the sport.
Scientists have made a groundbreaking experimental observation of a previously theoretical "quantum geometry" within materials, which significantly influences electron movement in a manner akin to gravity warping light. This pivotal discovery promises to revolutionize ultra-fast electronics and quantum technologies by offering a novel understanding of how materials conduct electricity and interact with light, paving the way for next-generation devices.
The entertainment world mourns the loss of beloved Canadian actress Catherine O'Hara, who passed away at 71 on January 31, 2026, leaving behind an indelible legacy of comedic brilliance from iconic roles in "Home Alone" and "Schitt's Creek." Her remarkable talent, versatility, and unique ability to blend sharp wit with emotional precision earned her numerous awards and widespread adoration, with tributes pouring in from across the globe.