February 18, 2026

Centre to Widen Salem-Chengapalli NH 544 to Six Lanes After MP’s Persistent Push

The government will widen the 102.5-km Salem-Chengapalli stretch of NH 544 from 4 to 6 lanes due to heavy traffic. A Detailed Project Report is underway. MP K. Subbarayan's repeated appeals helped move the project forward.

February 18, 2026

Alcoa Fined $55m for Illegal Land Clearing in WA, Gets 18-Month Mining Exemption

Australia fines Alcoa $55 million for unauthorized clearing of 2,000 hectares in WA's jarrah forests. The firm gets an 18-month exemption to clear more land amid plans to expand mining till 2045.

February 18, 2026

Budweiser Struggles, Heineken Thrives in China as Drinkers Shift to Home Beer in 2025

In 2025, Budweiser's profits fell sharply in China while Heineken's soared. Changing habits show Chinese drinkers now prefer beer at home over bars, hitting Budweiser hard but boosting Heineken’s growth.

February 18, 2026

DGCA May Let Airlines Impose 30-Day Flying Ban on Unruly Passengers Without Committee Approval

DGCA plans to allow airlines to ban disruptive passengers for up to 30 days without waiting for committee decisions. The move aims to speed up action and protect passengers on flights.

February 18, 2026

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman Forms Cabinet, Names Former Commerce Minister to Revive Economy

Bangladesh PM Tarique Rahman announced his first cabinet. Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury returns as finance minister to fix the economy. Rahman keeps defence for himself. New foreign minister faces regional challenges. India congratulates the new government.