February 17, 2026

Cheshire Council Leader Faces Resignation Call After Backing Controversial 20,000-Home Town

Cheshire East council leader Nick Mannion is urged to quit after backing a new 20,000-home town in Adlington. Residents and opposition decry the plan, sparking a huge backlash.

February 17, 2026

Man Dies After Motorcycle Falls into Unguarded Pit in Thodupuzha, Protests Erupt

Joys Benny, 27, died after his motorcycle plunged into an unguarded culvert pit in Thodupuzha. Locals protested, blaming PWD negligence and demanding action.

February 17, 2026

FIR Filed Against Assam BJP Social Media Heads Over Edited Video of CM Sarma

An FIR was registered against Assam BJP’s social media convenor and co-convenor for posting an objectionable video showing CM Himanta Biswa Sarma shooting a minority group. The CM denied knowledge, and the video was removed.

February 17, 2026

UK Court Rejects Freemasons' Challenge to London Police Disclosure Policy

A UK court has denied the Freemasons' challenge against a London police rule that forces officers to declare their membership in the secretive society. The High Court says the policy upholds public trust and is fair, dismissing claims of discrimination or blacklisting.

February 17, 2026

HRCP Demands Probe After 924 Suspect Deaths in Punjab Police Encounters

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan demands a high-level judicial inquiry into Punjab Crime Control Department’s operations. HRCP reports 924 suspect deaths in 670 encounters in 2025, calling it a pattern of extrajudicial killings and urging an immediate moratorium and independent investigations.