Daily Digest: Crypto Crash, Gaza Tensions, Feb 1

Welcome to Grapevines’ Daily Digest for February 1, 2026. Here’s a sharp roundup of the biggest stories from the past 12 hours across crypto, politics, and world news. Let’s dive in.

Crypto Chaos

• Bitcoin’s Brutal Slide: BTC hits a 9-month low with $2.6B in liquidations. Analysts like Brandt predict a further drop to $58K. Bitcoin Price Hits 9-Month Low
• XRP Surges Amid Crash: XRP volume rockets 74% despite a $2.58B market wipeout, with ledger activity breaking records. A rare bright spot. XRP Rockets 74% in Volume
• Step Finance Breach: A $27M treasury hack tanks STEP by 90%, exposing DeFi vulnerabilities yet again. Step Finance Breach

Political Flashpoints

• Gaza Death Toll Discredited: Western officials and media face criticism for downplaying Gaza casualties, raising questions of bias. Gaza Death Toll Debate
• Iran-US Talks Amid Threats: Trump confirms 'serious discussions' with Iran as military tensions loom, signaling a volatile diplomatic dance. Iran-US Discussions
• India’s Bold Budget: Focus on infrastructure and manufacturing aims to shield against global trade wars. A pragmatic move? India’s Budget Bets

World News: Finland & Estonia

• Finland’s Road Chaos: Horrific weather clogs small-town roads, with police calling the situation 'ridiculous.' Finland Road Chaos
• Estonia Backs Iran’s People: Parliament adopts a statement supporting Iranians, a symbolic but firm stance against Tehran’s regime. Estonia Supports Iran

Social Buzz on X

• AI Revolution: @sama highlights AI’s transformative power across industries, echoing a growing tech narrative. AI Transforming Industries

Key Takeaways

• Market Fragility: Crypto’s massive liquidations and DeFi breaches underscore a shaky financial landscape, with BTC’s fall a warning sign.
• Geopolitical Heat: From Gaza’s media battles to Iran-US talks, global tensions are simmering with no easy resolutions in sight.
• Tech & Policy: AI’s rise and national budgets like India’s show a world pivoting to innovation and resilience amid uncertainty.

Stay tuned to Grapevines for real-time updates. What’s your take on today’s pulse? Drop a comment below.