Stay informed with the latest news and analysis from Catamist
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.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei made a rare public appearance on January 31, 2026, attending prayers for the 47th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution to project stability and counter rumors of him hiding in an underground bunker amidst fears of a US military strike. This significant event unfolded as regional tensions escalated, with Iranian officials issuing stern warnings to the United States and Israel against any military action.
A new report, published today, reveals the profound societal and psychological impact of smartphones, highlighting a significant decline in human attention spans to just 47 seconds and a strong link to increased anxiety, depression, and stress. The analysis urges individuals to critically re-evaluate their relationship with these pervasive devices to reclaim cognitive capacity and personal well-being amidst concerns of "smartphone addiction" and altered social dynamics.
January 2026 has witnessed a dramatic display of global weather extremes, from record heat on Wake Island to unusual snowfall in Tampa, Florida, now compounded by an impending and unusually early polar vortex collapse. Scientists attribute these profound atmospheric and oceanic shifts, which are expected to bring prolonged cold to North America and Europe, to the ongoing and intensifying impacts of human-induced climate change.
NASA scientists have made a groundbreaking discovery on Jupiter's moon Europa, identifying ammonia-bearing compounds that significantly boost the potential for extraterrestrial life. This crucial finding, stemming from a re-analysis of old Galileo spacecraft data, suggests that geological activity transports these vital compounds from Europa's subsurface ocean to its surface, indicating a potentially active and habitable interior.
Precious metals experienced a dramatic sell-off on Friday, January 30, 2026, with gold seeing its largest single-day decline since 1983 and silver plunging over 30%, following President Donald Trump's nomination of Kevin Warsh to lead the Federal Reserve. This sharp market movement reflected investor reassurance over Warsh's selection, alongside a surging US dollar, as he is viewed as a credible and orthodox choice for the crucial central bank role.