Technology

China ‘artificial sun’ fuels Western fears it has lost energy holy grail

China’s growing advancements in artificial intelligence and nuclear fusion have sparked concern among Western governments and investors. DeepSeek, an AI company, has quickly emerged as a competitor to U.S. dominance in the field, while satellite images of a large facility in Mianyang suggest the construction of a giant laser nuclear fusion research center. This facility may accelerate China’s push to surpass the West in fusion … Continue reading China ‘artificial sun’ fuels Western fears it has lost energy holy grail

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Business

Euro zone inflation rises to hotter-than-expected 2.5% in January

Eurozone inflation rose to 2.5% in January, surpassing expectations due to a sharp increase in energy costs, according to Eurostat data. Core inflation, excluding food, energy, alcohol, and tobacco, held steady at 2.7%, while services inflation slightly decreased to 3.9%. Energy costs surged by 1.8%, up from a minimal rise in December. Despite the rise in inflation, the European Central Bank (ECB) remains on track … Continue reading Euro zone inflation rises to hotter-than-expected 2.5% in January

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Business

Oil Rises as Trump’s Tariffs Raise Supply Fears

Oil prices surged following President Trump’s announcement of tariffs on major trading partners, sparking concerns over supply disruptions. Brent crude rose 1.3% to $76.64 per barrel, and WTI increased 2.3% to $74.20. Starting Tuesday, the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico, including a 10% levy on energy products from Canada and China. The U.S. imports around 4 million barrels … Continue reading Oil Rises as Trump’s Tariffs Raise Supply Fears

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Business

Global stocks slide as Trump imposes tariffs on imports

Global stock markets dropped, with the dollar strengthening and oil prices rising, after President Trump imposed tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China. Asian markets, particularly Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan, saw sharp declines, with Japan’s Nikkei Index falling 2.5%. European markets were also hit, with the STOXX 600 index down 1.4%, and major carmakers’ stocks, including GM, Ford, Toyota, and Volkswagen, falling due … Continue reading Global stocks slide as Trump imposes tariffs on imports

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Politics

EU leaders vow to hit back if ‘attacked’ by Donald Trump tariffs

EU leaders have pledged to retaliate against potential trade tariffs from U.S. President Donald Trump, warning of the negative impacts of a trade war. Trump has threatened to impose tariffs on Europe following similar measures against China, Canada, and Mexico. French President Macron emphasized Europe’s need for independence and stronger domestic trade policies. The EU is preparing possible countermeasures, while leaders like German Chancellor Scholz … Continue reading EU leaders vow to hit back if ‘attacked’ by Donald Trump tariffs

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Politics

Rubio says Panama must reduce Chinese influence around the canal or face possible US action

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned Panamanian leader José Raúl Mulino to reduce Chinese influence over the Panama Canal area or face potential U.S. retaliation. During Rubio’s visit to Panama, he conveyed President Trump’s concerns that China’s presence in the canal could violate a treaty ensuring its neutrality. While Mulino rejected threats to the canal’s sovereignty, he agreed not to renew Panama’s involvement in … Continue reading Rubio says Panama must reduce Chinese influence around the canal or face possible US action

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Politics

Trump pushes Europe to be more independent, Macron says

French President Emmanuel Macron stated that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and U.S. President Donald Trump’s policies are driving Europe to take more responsibility for its own security. Speaking ahead of an EU summit, Macron highlighted the need for Europe to strengthen its defense industry and reduce reliance on external powers. While Macron emphasized European “strategic autonomy,” some leaders, like Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, stressed … Continue reading Trump pushes Europe to be more independent, Macron says

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Politics

USAID closes HQ to staffers Monday as Musk says Trump supports shutting agency down

Over 600 USAID workers were locked out of their computer systems, and those still connected received notices stating that the headquarters would be closed to personnel on February 3. Elon Musk, leading the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), stated that former President Trump agreed with shutting down USAID. Musk called the agency “beyond repair,” describing it as “a bowl of worms” and accused it of … Continue reading USAID closes HQ to staffers Monday as Musk says Trump supports shutting agency down

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Politics

Zelensky Claims Ukraine Received Less Than Half of U.S. Aid

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Ukraine has received around $76 billion in aid from the U.S., despite the U.S. authorizing approximately $175 billion for the country. Zelensky expressed uncertainty about where the remaining funds have gone, suggesting they may have been allocated to humanitarian programs. He noted that most of the aid received was in the form of weapons, amounting to about $70 billion, … Continue reading Zelensky Claims Ukraine Received Less Than Half of U.S. Aid

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U.S. News

Punxsutawney Phil’s shadow strikes again, six more weeks of winter is predicted

Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow on Groundhog Day, predicting six more weeks of winter. The annual tradition at Gobbler’s Knob in Pennsylvania dates back over a century, rooted in European folklore. Historically, Phil has been accurate only 30% of the time. While his prediction signals a longer winter, meteorologists suggest spring may already be emerging in the South, WSBT has reported. AccuWeather will release its … Continue reading Punxsutawney Phil’s shadow strikes again, six more weeks of winter is predicted

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U.S. News

Gunman opens fire at high school band competition in Texas, is tackled by parent and others

A parent tackled an 83-year-old gunman who opened fire during a band competition at a Houston-area high school, with several others helping to disarm and detain him. The shooter wounded a percussion consultant before being subdued by a group of parents, including military veterans and a police sergeant known as the Pearland Band Dads. They restrained him until law enforcement arrived, CBS News has reported. … Continue reading Gunman opens fire at high school band competition in Texas, is tackled by parent and others

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U.S. News

FBI staff ordered to reveal their role in Jan. 6 probes by Monday

FBI employees were ordered to complete a questionnaire on their involvement in Jan. 6 investigations, raising concerns about potential firings. The order follows Acting Deputy Attorney General Emil Bove’s demand for a list of all employees who worked on Jan. 6 and Hamas-related cases. Bove has already fired senior FBI officials and Justice Department prosecutors involved in cases against Trump. Acting FBI Director Brian Driscoll … Continue reading FBI staff ordered to reveal their role in Jan. 6 probes by Monday

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U.S. News

Mayor says 5 injured in fatal Philadelphia plane crash remain hospitalized, 3 in critical condition

A Mexico-bound air ambulance crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after takeoff, killing all six onboard and one person on the ground. Three people remain in critical condition, with 22 injured and 11 homes heavily damaged. The Learjet 55 plummeted from 1,500 feet in a “high-impact crash,” according to the NTSB, which is investigating. The victims included a young girl who had completed treatment at … Continue reading Mayor says 5 injured in fatal Philadelphia plane crash remain hospitalized, 3 in critical condition

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U.S. News

Preliminary DC plane crash flight data shows conflicting altitude readings: investigators

Preliminary data from the deadly plane crash near Washington, D.C., shows conflicting altitude readings between the American Airlines jet and the Army Black Hawk helicopter that collided, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft. The jet’s flight recorder indicated 325 feet, while control tower data placed the helicopter at 200 feet, leaving a 100-foot discrepancy. Investigators are analyzing the helicopter’s waterlogged black box and refining … Continue reading Preliminary DC plane crash flight data shows conflicting altitude readings: investigators

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World News

Car bomb blast in northern Syria kills 15 agricultural workers

A car bomb attack in northern Syria killed at least 15 people, including 14 women, and wounded 15 others near Manbij, according to the White Helmets. The attack, the deadliest since Assad’s ouster in December, comes just days after another bombing killed four people in the city. No group has claimed responsibility, the BBC has reported. Manbij remains a battleground between Turkish-backed Syrian National Army … Continue reading Car bomb blast in northern Syria kills 15 agricultural workers

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World News

Moscow Bomb Attack Kills Pro-Kremlin Paramilitary Leader Wanted in Ukraine

A bomb blast in a Moscow residential complex killed Armen Sarkisyan, leader of the pro-Kremlin Arbat Battalion, early Monday. The explosion also killed his bodyguard and injured five others. Russian authorities are investigating, with reports suggesting the attack was planned. Sarkisyan, originally from Armenia, led a paramilitary unit fighting for Russia in Ukraine and was wanted by Ukraine for past violence, The Moscow Times has … Continue reading Moscow Bomb Attack Kills Pro-Kremlin Paramilitary Leader Wanted in Ukraine

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World News

Australia braces for more destruction as deadly floods devastate northeast

Record rainfall has triggered deadly floods in North Queensland, with waters rising for a third day on Monday. One woman drowned, and thousands face evacuation as towns like Townsville, Ingham, and Cardwell suffer severe damage. Some areas received a meter of rain in a week, prompting major flood warnings along six rivers. Authorities warn of more heavy storms and even crocodiles in floodwaters, CNN has … Continue reading Australia braces for more destruction as deadly floods devastate northeast

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World News

Dozens of earthquakes shake Greek island of Santorini

Santorini experienced a fourth day of seismic activity on Monday, with quakes exceeding magnitude 4 occurring every few minutes. Schools remained closed, and extra flights were arranged to help people leave. Authorities advised residents to stay outdoors as disaster response teams were deployed. Experts predict the tremors will continue for weeks but say they are not linked to recent mild volcanic activity. While locals are … Continue reading Dozens of earthquakes shake Greek island of Santorini

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World News

Teenage girl killed in shark attack in Australia

A 17-year-old girl died after a shark attack at Woorim Beach, Queensland, on Monday. She was bitten on the arm about 100m from shore while swimming off Bribie Island. Paramedics responded to the incident, but she succumbed to life-threatening injuries shortly after. The area, a popular surfing spot, has shark protection measures, but attacks close to shore remain rare. Authorities have not identified the shark … Continue reading Teenage girl killed in shark attack in Australia

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Space

Chinese astronauts make rocket fuel and oxygen in space using 1st-of-its-kind ‘artificial photosynthesis’

Chinese astronauts aboard the Tiangong space station have successfully created rocket fuel and oxygen using a new “artificial photosynthesis” technology. The breakthrough, which uses basic equipment and minimal energy, converts carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and rocket fuel ingredients, such as ethylene. This technology, under development since 2015, mimics plant photosynthesis and could support China’s future moon base. It is more energy-efficient than the … Continue reading Chinese astronauts make rocket fuel and oxygen in space using 1st-of-its-kind ‘artificial photosynthesis’

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Space

Europe awards $900 million contract for Argonaut lunar lander development

Thales Alenia Space announced a nearly $900 million contract on January 30 to develop the Lunar Descent Element (LDE) for the European Space Agency’s Argonaut, a cargo lander for lunar missions starting in the 2030s. The LDE will transport and land payloads on the Moon, with an adaptable interface to support various cargo. Argonaut’s first mission will deliver navigation, telecommunications, and energy systems for European … Continue reading Europe awards $900 million contract for Argonaut lunar lander development

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Space

NASA’s 2 stuck astronauts take their first spacewalk together

NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore completed their first spacewalk together on Thursday, almost eight months after arriving at the International Space Station. They removed a broken antenna and wiped the station’s exterior for potential microbes. After some difficulty, the antenna was removed nearly four hours later. During the spacewalk, Williams set a new record for the most time spent spacewalking by a female … Continue reading NASA’s 2 stuck astronauts take their first spacewalk together

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Technology

Chinese start-up Unitree sees humanoid robots in wide commercial use this decade

Chinese start-up Unitree, known for its quadruped robot dogs, is now focusing on humanoid robots, forecasting significant advancements in AI and robot capabilities by 2026. This week, the company showcased 16 humanoid robots performing Chinese folk dance at the Spring Festival Gala, marking the world’s first large-scale, fully AI-driven humanoid robot performance. Unitree has been testing its humanoid robots in Chinese EV factories and major … Continue reading Chinese start-up Unitree sees humanoid robots in wide commercial use this decade

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Technology

US robot gets capability to jam signals and neutralize drones from miles away

L3Harris has upgraded its T7 robot with advanced electronic warfare (EW) capabilities, enhancing its battlefield effectiveness by detecting and disrupting enemy communications and radar from miles away. Successfully tested during a U.S. Army exercise, the T7 demonstrated its ability to neutralize small drones and operate remotely. The EW system, which can be turned on or off to minimize detection, allows the T7 to quickly reposition. … Continue reading US robot gets capability to jam signals and neutralize drones from miles away

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Politics

Panama’s president says there will be no negotiation about ownership of canal

Panama President José Raúl Mulino stated there will be no negotiations with the U.S. over ownership of the Panama Canal, emphasizing that it belongs to Panama. He downplayed tensions regarding U.S. President Trump’s past remarks about retaking the canal, clarifying that while China manages some canal ports, Panama controls the waterway. Mulino expressed hope that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit would focus on … Continue reading Panama’s president says there will be no negotiation about ownership of canal

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