Government Spending

World

Iran Escalates Diplomatic Row, Summons EU Envoys Over Revolutionary Guard's Terror Listing

Iran has summoned the ambassadors of all European Union member states in Tehran in a sharp diplomatic protest against the bloc's recent decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The move, triggered by the IRGC's alleged role in suppressing protests, deepens Iran's isolation amid heightened regional tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Russia Reaffirms Backing for China's Taiwan Stance in High-Level Security Talks

Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu, meeting with China's top diplomat Wang Yi in Moscow, reiterated Russia's firm support for Beijing's position on Taiwan, calling it an 'inseparable part' of China. The talks underscore deepening strategic coordination between the two powers amid global tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

World

From Solidarity to Scrutiny: How Ukraine's View on Palestine Is Evolving Amid War and Shifting Alliances

As the war in Ukraine grinds on and U.S. support appears to waver, a nuanced public debate over Gaza is emerging in Kyiv, challenging earlier unequivocal backing for Israel and revealing complex parallels in perceived injustice.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Betfred Founders Top UK's Tax List, with Styles and Joshua Among High-Profile Contributors

The annual Sunday Times Tax List reveals the UK's top 100 individual taxpayers paid a record £5.76bn, featuring a mix of business titans, sports stars, and entertainers, with a notable rise in contributions linked to recent fiscal policy changes.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Rafah Crossing to Reopen Under Strict Limits, Easing Gaza Exodus but Raising New Questions

Israel is set to partially reopen the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, allowing limited pedestrian movement for Palestinians. The move, a condition of the U.S.-brokered ceasefire, comes amid ongoing tensions and a continued ban on foreign journalists.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Energy Transfer Raises Payouts, Commits Billions to Pipeline Expansion in Dual-Pronged Strategy

Energy Transfer LP announced a significant increase to its quarterly distribution alongside a multi-billion dollar capital expenditure plan for new pipeline and infrastructure projects, signaling confidence in its cash flow stability and long-term growth prospects.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Micron's AI Rally: Is the Memory Chip Giant Still a Buy After Soaring 119%?

Micron Technology's stock has skyrocketed over 360% in the past year, fueled by insatiable AI-driven demand for memory chips. But with shares now trading at a significant premium to some traditional valuation models, investors face a critical question: has the rally run too far, too fast?

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Analysts Revise Econocom Group Price Target, Signaling Shift in Market Sentiment

A fresh price target for Euronext Brussels-listed IT services firm Econocom Group has analysts and investors reassessing the company's trajectory. The update reflects evolving views on the company's strategic positioning and market conditions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Palantir Cements AI Ambitions with Major Korean Industrial Deal and European Sovereign AI Infrastructure Project

Palantir Technologies expands its strategic footprint in Asia through a deepened partnership with HD Hyundai, while securing a pivotal role in building sovereign AI data centers across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with Sovereign AI and Accenture.

Feb 2, 2026

Financial Planner Kevin Lum's Retirement Reset: Eight Habits to Leave Behind After 60

Certified financial planner and popular financial educator Kevin Lum outlines a crucial mindset shift for those nearing or in retirement, urging them to move beyond accumulation and toward purposeful living.

Feb 2, 2026

World

A New Axis Emerges: Meloni and Merz Forge Conservative Alliance, Diminishing Macron's Role in EU Leadership

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz have signed a landmark partnership pact in Rome, signaling a potential shift in the European Union's traditional Franco-German power center. The accord, focusing on defense, migration, and trade, comes as France grapples with political instability and a weakened presidency.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Costa Rica Elects Laura Fernandez, Vowing Constitutional Overhaul and Crime Crackdown

Laura Fernandez, a close ally of outgoing populist President Rodrigo Chaves, has been elected Costa Rica's next leader. She pledges to continue his transformative agenda, including constitutional reforms and emergency measures to combat drug violence, signaling a profound shift for the nation.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Thailand's Election: A Three-Way Battle for the Future

As Thailand heads to the polls, three major parties offer starkly different visions for the nation's path forward, from populist subsidies to structural reforms, setting the stage for a pivotal political contest.

Feb 2, 2026

World

China Executes Four in Myanmar-Linked Scam Syndicate, Widening Crackdown on Cross-Border Crime

Chinese authorities have executed four individuals convicted of running a multi-billion dollar telecom fraud and gambling network from Myanmar, responsible for six deaths. The move follows last week's execution of 11 others, signaling Beijing's intensifying campaign against organized cybercrime in Southeast Asia.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Pakistan Launches Major Counter-Operation in Balochistan After Deadly Coordinated Assaults

Following a series of brazen, coordinated attacks claimed by a separatist group that killed dozens, Pakistani security forces report a sweeping response resulting in over 140 militant casualties, as tensions with neighboring India and Afghanistan flare.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Philippine VP Sara Duterte Hit with Fresh Impeachment Complaints Amid 2028 Election Speculation

Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte, a leading contender for the 2028 presidency, faces renewed impeachment efforts filed by civil society groups. The complaints allege corruption and abuse of public trust, deepening the political rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s administration.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Names Revealed: Federal Agents Involved in Fatal Minneapolis Shooting of ICU Nurse

ProPublica has identified the two Customs and Border Protection officers who discharged their weapons during an encounter that resulted in the death of Alex Pretti, a 37-year-old nurse. The incident has intensified scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement tactics in urban areas.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Alibaba Bets Big on AI with $431 Million Lunar New Year Push, Escalating Tech Rivalry

Alibaba Group has announced a massive 3 billion yuan ($431 million) campaign to promote its Qwen AI app during the upcoming Lunar New Year holiday, significantly outpacing similar efforts by rivals Tencent and Baidu. The move intensifies a high-stakes battle for user adoption in China's rapidly evolving artificial intelligence sector.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Stephanopoulos Grills DOJ's Blanche Over WSJ Report on Trump-Linked Crypto Firm's $500M Deal With UAE Adviser

In a tense Sunday interview, ABC's George Stephanopoulos confronted Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche about a Wall Street Journal investigation revealing a major investment by a UAE security official into a cryptocurrency company founded by Donald Trump.

Feb 2, 2026

US

Marjorie Taylor Greene Breaks with Trump, Calls MAGA Movement a 'Big Lie' in Explosive Interview

In a striking departure from her once-fervent loyalty, former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has launched a scathing critique of Donald Trump and his MAGA movement, accusing him of abandoning his base for wealthy donors and foreign interests, particularly Israel.

Feb 2, 2026