World

Newly released US Justice Department files include draft emails containing unverified allegations involving Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein. Gates’ spokesperson strongly denied the claims, calling them false and defamatory, as Epstein-related documents continue to draw scrutiny.

A landslide caused by heavy rain collapsed artisanal coltan mines in eastern Congo, killing more than 200 people. The mines, controlled by M23 rebels, are known for unsafe working conditions and supply a major share of the world’s tantalum.

The US Justice Department has begun releasing millions of records linked to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell investigations after completing an unprecedented review under a new transparency law, citing legal, privacy and victim-protection safeguards.

A US federal jury convicted former Google engineer Linwei Ding of stealing sensitive AI trade secrets for China, the first AI-related economic espionage conviction, exposing a major breach of trust and national security concerns

India face New Zealand in the final T20I at Thiruvananthapuram with Sanju Samson hoping home support lifts his form. Axar Patel’s fitness is under watch, while India aim for a 4-1 series win ahead of the T20 World Cup

Novak Djokovic beat Jannik Sinner in five sets to reach the Australian Open final, where he will face Carlos Alcaraz. Alcaraz overcame Alexander Zverev in the longest semifinal in tournament history, setting up a historic clash for Grand Slam glory

The free trade agreement reflects not only bilateral economic logic but also a systemic response to global uncertainty

The appointment, which requires Senate confirmation, amounts to a return trip for Warsh, 55, who was a member of the Fed's board from 2006 to 2011

US State Department disclosed gifts given by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Indian officials to US leaders, including Joe Biden, Jill Biden, Kamala Harris and others, detailing items, values, disposal, and transfers to National Archives under federal protocol rules requirements

Donald Trump has sued the IRS and Treasury Department, seeking $10 billion in damages over a tax return leak by a former contractor, alleging data security failures and reputational harm to his family and business interests

The Pakistan Cricket Board has scheduled its T20 World Cup squad to leave for Colombo on February 2, ruling out boycott speculation. PCB sources confirmed participation, including the India clash on February 15, under ICC’s neutral venue agreement

World champion D Gukesh defeated Yagiz Kaan Erdogmus to stay in contention at the Tata Steel Masters, while Arjun Erigaisi lost to Vincent Keymer. Praggnanandhaa drew with Hans Niemann as Matthias Bluebaum continued his fine run with a win over Anish Giri

India defeated England by seven wickets in the opening match of the Mixed Disability T20I series in Greater Noida. Yogendra Bhadoria’s 94 anchored the chase of 173, giving India a 1-0 lead in the five-match historic series

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Elina Svitolina 6-2, 6-3 to reach her fourth consecutive Australian Open final. She will face Elena Rybakina, who beat Jessica Pegula in straight sets, setting up a rematch of the 2023 championship clash

The European Union has formally listed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as a terrorist organisation, citing Tehran’s violent suppression of nationwide protests that activists say killed over 6,000 people. The EU also sanctioned Iranian officials and organisations linked to censorship.

Pakistan has blocked access to Hyderabad-based English news website Telangana Today, citing alleged misinformation and propaganda. The move follows the publication of an analytical article titled Black Storm Rising in June 2025, which examined the Baloch Liberation Army’s insurgency and Pakistan’s internal security challenges.

The EU is set to sanction Iran’s Revolutionary Guard over its deadly crackdown on protests, aligning with U.S. measures. Economic pressure mounts as Tehran faces rioting, mass casualties, and threats of U.S. military action

Nicki Minaj publicly reaffirmed her support for President Donald Trump at a Washington, DC event, calling him “bullied” and “smeared.” She pledged $150,000–$300,000 toward Trump Accounts for fans, while Trump hailed the program as transformative policy

Vietnam and the EU upgraded ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership, strengthening trade and diplomatic relations amid U.S. tariff pressures. The move enhances market access, supports supply-chain diversification, and aligns with Vietnam’s goal of becoming a high-income nation by 2045

China executed 11 members of a Myanmar-based family crime syndicate convicted of killing 14 Chinese nationals and running scam and gambling operations worth over USD 1 billion, as Beijing intensifies its crackdown on cross-border fraud networks in Southeast Asia

  British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Chinese President Xi Jinping called for a comprehensive strategic partnership during talks in Beijing, seeking to reset strained ties, expand trade and cooperation, and jointly address global challenges amid geopolitical uncertainty and economic pressures 

The Smithsonian’s National Museum of Asian Art will return three illegally removed South Indian bronze sculptures to India following provenance research, while retaining one Chola-period Shiva Nataraja on a long-term loan agreed with the Indian government

The US has criticised the EU for finalising a free trade agreement with India, accusing Europe of prioritising commerce over Ukraine by refusing to penalise New Delhi for buying Russian oil amid the ongoing war.

The latest purge can have repercussions on Taiwan, which China considers its own territory and has threatened to take control of the island by force