OpenAI and SoftBank have jointly invested 1 billion dollars into SB Energy, strengthening their partnership in large scale energy and infrastructure development.

The investment is aimed at supporting clean energy expansion, AI driven energy optimization, and next generation power infrastructure, aligning with growing demand from data centers and advanced AI workloads.
SB Energy is expected to play a key role in supplying sustainable power for future AI and cloud computing growth.

Analysts say the move highlights the increasing convergence of artificial intelligence, energy security, and long term infrastructure investment, as major technology players secure reliable power sources for scaling AI systems.

The deal underscores how energy has become a strategic pillar in the global AI race.

Scenes emerging from Tehran show large crowds gathering as protests continue across Iran, despite escalating warnings and pressure from authorities.

Demonstrations have been reported in multiple areas of the capital, reflecting sustained public unrest and growing tensions between citizens and the government.
Security presence has increased, but protesters continue to mobilize, signaling deep frustration over political, economic, and social conditions.

International observers are closely watching developments, as prolonged unrest in Iran could carry regional, geopolitical, and economic consequences, particularly for energy markets and Middle East stability.

A municipal government building in Karaj has been engulfed in flames as anti government protests intensify across Iran, according to reports from the area.

The incident marks a significant escalation in unrest, with protesters increasingly targeting state linked infrastructure amid mounting anger toward authorities.
Security forces have reportedly increased their presence, while clashes and fires have been observed in multiple locations.

Analysts note that attacks on government buildings signal a critical phase of escalation, raising concerns over public safety, state response, and wider instability.

The situation continues to draw international attention as Iran faces one of its most severe waves of unrest in recent years.

Russia and Iran have carried out joint military exercises, signaling deeper defense coordination between the two countries amid rising regional and global tensions.

The drills reportedly focused on combat readiness, coordination, and strategic cooperation, reflecting strengthening military ties as both nations face pressure from Western powers.
Officials described the exercises as defensive in nature, aimed at improving interoperability and security capabilities.

Analysts say the joint maneuvers highlight a shifting geopolitical landscape, with closer Russia Iran alignment potentially impacting Middle East stability, global security dynamics, and energy markets.

The exercises have drawn international attention as geopolitical risks continue to rise.

President Donald Trump is reportedly planning to eliminate all taxes on gambling winnings across the United States, according to sources familiar with the proposal.

If implemented, the move would remove federal tax obligations on winnings from casinos, sports betting, lotteries, and other gambling activities, significantly increasing net payouts for players.
Supporters argue the change could boost tourism, entertainment spending, and state level gaming revenues by making the U.S. more competitive globally.

Critics, however, raise concerns about lost tax revenue and potential social impacts tied to expanded gambling incentives.
The proposal is expected to spark debate as lawmakers assess its economic and fiscal implications.

Iranian authorities have claimed that the United States and Israel are organizing and coordinating riots across Iran, accusing foreign actors of fueling nationwide unrest.

According to official statements, the protests are being framed as part of an external destabilization effort rather than domestic dissent.
The accusations come amid escalating demonstrations, heightened security measures, and an intensified government crackdown.

International observers note that such claims are often used to justify expanded security actions and restrictions, as tensions inside the country continue to rise.

The situation remains fluid, with potential implications for regional stability, geopolitics, and global markets if unrest persists.

Spot Bitcoin ETFs recorded a combined 681 million dollars in net outflows during the first week of 2026, reflecting a noticeable decline in short term risk appetite among investors.

The pullback comes amid broader market caution, as participants reassess macroeconomic conditions, interest rate expectations, and near term volatility.
Analysts suggest the outflows are likely driven by profit taking and portfolio rebalancing, rather than a shift in long term conviction toward Bitcoin.

Despite the weak start to the year, institutional interest in Bitcoin ETFs remains structurally strong, with many viewing periods of reduced risk appetite as part of normal market cycles.

Market participants are now watching whether flows stabilize in the coming weeks as sentiment recalibrates.

A Bitcoin mega whale from 2010 has suddenly become active, moving approximately 181 million dollars worth of BTC after more than a year of wallet inactivity.
Early era wallets are closely watched due to their historical significance and potential market impact.
While the destination of the funds has not been confirmed, analysts note that movements from such old wallets do not automatically signal selling and are often related to wallet consolidation, security upgrades, or custody changes.
The transaction has drawn strong attention across the crypto community, as activity from early Bitcoin holders can influence market sentiment and short term volatility, even without exchange inflows.
Traders are now monitoring on chain data to see whether further movements follow.

A protester has climbed the Iranian Embassy in London and replaced the Islamic Republic flag with the pre revolution Lion and Sun flag, a powerful symbol associated with Iran before 1979.

The act is being widely interpreted as a sign of opposition to the current Iranian government and solidarity with ongoing anti government protests inside Iran.
The Lion and Sun flag has increasingly appeared at demonstrations abroad, representing calls for political change and rejection of the Islamic Republic.

Authorities responded to the incident as images spread rapidly across social media, drawing international attention to Iran related protests beyond its borders.

The event highlights how unrest in Iran is resonating globally, with demonstrations and symbolic actions emerging across major Western capitals.

Walmart has announced that it will accept Bitcoin payments, marking a major milestone for real world crypto adoption by one of the world’s largest retailers.

The move enables customers to use BTC for everyday purchases, signaling growing confidence in Bitcoin as a functional payment method beyond investment use.
Adoption by a global retail giant like Walmart strengthens Bitcoin’s legitimacy as a medium of exchange and could accelerate broader merchant acceptance.

Analysts say this development may encourage other multinational retailers to integrate Bitcoin and digital asset payment rails, pushing crypto further into mainstream commerce.

Amundi, Europe’s largest asset manager with 2.65 trillion dollars in assets under management, has increased its Bitcoin exposure by 1,600 percent, reaching approximately 32 million dollars.

The exposure was gained through MicroStrategy, allowing Amundi to benefit from Bitcoin’s price movements without holding BTC directly or taking custody risk.
This approach reflects a growing trend among large institutions seeking indirect Bitcoin exposure through publicly listed companies with significant BTC treasuries.

Analysts note that such strategies enable traditional asset managers to participate in Bitcoin’s upside while remaining within familiar regulatory and operational frameworks.

The move underscores rising institutional demand for Bitcoin exposure across European financial markets.

The United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia are reportedly discussing a coordinated plan to potentially ban Elon Musk’s social media platform X, according to sources familiar with the matter.

The talks are said to focus on concerns related to content moderation, platform governance, regulatory compliance, and national security considerations.
Officials are exploring whether joint action would be more effective than isolated national measures, given X’s global reach and influence.

The discussions have sparked debate over free speech, digital sovereignty, and government oversight of online platforms, with critics warning of censorship risks while supporters argue for stronger accountability.

If pursued, a coordinated ban would represent one of the most significant regulatory actions ever taken against a major global social media platform.

X is preparing to launch built in price tracking for crypto tokens and stocks, allowing users to view real time price data directly from the timeline.

The feature is expected to let users tap on asset tickers to instantly access price movements, charts, and key market metrics, turning X into a more finance focused information platform.
This move aligns with X’s broader push to integrate financial tools, trading related features, and real time market intelligence into its ecosystem.

Analysts say native price tracking could significantly increase engagement among traders and investors, positioning X as a central hub for market discussion, news, and live price discovery.