Top Current Affairs – 02 February 2026

🌍 1. World Order Debate: Mario Draghi’s Stark Warning

Former Italian Prime Minister and ex-ECB President Mario Draghi issued a bold statement on the changing shape of global power. He declared that the current world economic order is effectively “dead”, urging European nations to take bold steps toward strategic unity. According to Draghi, Europe must strengthen its economic, industrial and defence capabilities to counter rising global powers like the United States and China. He also emphasized that without deeper cooperation, Europe risks marginalization in critical areas of technology and trade. This call for unity arrives at a time of heightened geopolitical tension, particularly with ongoing conflicts and shifting alliances worldwide.

Why it matters: This reflects broader concerns about shifting geopolitical influence and highlights Europe’s need to redefine its role in global affairs.

---

🏏 2. Cricket Controversy: Political Rift Affects T20 World Cup

In a major sporting and political development, Pakistan has announced that it will boycott its scheduled T20 World Cup match against India. This decision stems from longstanding diplomatic tensions between the two nations. The boycott not only affects the sporting calendar but also reveals a growing divide between cricket’s commercial interests and political realities. The ICC’s hybrid hosting model (allowing matches without teams visiting each other’s countries) has come under scrutiny as it complicates tournament integrity and fairness.

Implications: The boycott raises questions about the future of international sport when diplomatic disputes intervene directly in fixture line-ups.

---

🥇 3. Countdown to the 2026 Winter Olympics Begins

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy are set to begin soon, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 6 February 2026 at the iconic San Siro Stadium. Athletes from around the world will gather to compete in traditional winter sports like skiing, ice hockey, figure skating, and more. This grand event will celebrate unity, endurance and global sportsmanship.

Quick look:
📅 Start: 6 February 2026
📍 Milan & Cortina, Italy
🎿 Sports: Skiing, Ice Hockey, Biathlon, etc.

---

🌐 4. China-Spain Diplomatic Engagements Underway

China’s Foreign Ministry announced that State Councilor Shen Yiqin will travel to Spain from 4–5 February 2026 at the invitation of the Spanish government. The talks are expected to focus on strengthening bilateral relations, promoting economic cooperation, and discussing global governance issues.

Significance: This visit reflects ongoing efforts by major global players to enhance multilateral dialogue and collaboration.

---

🇹🇭 5. Thai Enquirer Daily News Summary — Regional Highlights

The Thai Enquirer released its regional news roundup for 2 February, highlighting key developments in Thailand and Southeast Asia, including economic forecasts, political responses and cultural activities across the region.

---

🌏 6. Global Diplomacy — Iran, US Talks and the Rafah Crossing

International diplomacy saw movement on multiple fronts:

• Rafah Border Crossing Reopens: After long restrictions, the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza resumed partial operations, facilitating humanitarian movement.

• Iran-US Nuclear Talks: Iran’s leadership signaled readiness to begin indirect negotiations with the United States on nuclear issues, potentially holding talks in Türkiye.

Context: These developments reflect ongoing efforts to temper conflict in the Middle East while pushing complex nuclear discussions forward.

---

🇮🇳 7. India and Arab States Push for Peace in West Asia

Diplomats from India and several Arab countries reaffirmed their commitment to a just and lasting peace in West Asia, based on international law, UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative. Meetings focused on coordination and collaboration for regional stability.

---

🇮🇳 8. National Developments in India

✈️ Airport Renaming & Infrastructure Boost

Punjab marked a significant milestone by renaming Adampur Airport after Guru Ravidas and launching a new civil terminal at Halwara, enhancing regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme.

🌿 Two New Ramsar Sites Added

In a major environmental update, Patna Bird Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh) and Chhari-Dhand (Gujarat) have been designated as Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance, highlighting India’s focus on conserving vital ecosystems.

📈 Economic Indicators and Policy Movements

India’s GST collections continue to grow, and there are moves in financial planning and borrowing strategies for FY27. These developments signal economic resilience and long-term budget planning.

---

🌐 9. Regional Civil & Political Events

🇧🇩 Bangladesh Protests

In Dhaka, students staged protests at the university over controversial online remarks perceived as offensive by women and working professionals.

🇦🇫 Afghanistan Announces New Dams

Afghanistan’s administration revealed plans to build dams on the Kunar River, impacting water flow into neighboring Pakistan, a key resource issue in South Asia.

---

🚀 10. Science & Space Highlights

Astronomy enthusiasts can look forward to exciting celestial events this month:

• A planetary parade featuring Venus, Mercury, Jupiter and Saturn.

• NASA’s Artemis II mission is slated for launch in February, marking the next major step in lunar exploration since the Apollo era.

---

🎥 11. Entertainment & Culture

This month brings a lively mix of nine new Hindi films to theatres across India, ranging from romance and comedy to thriller and drama — perfect entertainment for Valentine’s season.

---

📊 12. Miscellaneous

Cricket World Cup: The ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 is scheduled to begin on 7 February in India and Sri Lanka, featuring 20 teams competing across multiple venues.