China Grants Visa-Free Entry to British and Canadian Nationals Until Year-End

February 15, 2026

China Grants Visa-Free Entry to British and Canadian Nationals Until Year-End

From Tuesday, British and Canadian passport holders can enter China visa-free for up to 30 days. The policy covers business, tourism, and visits. The US is the only Five Eyes nation left out.

Hong Kong Cyclist Dies After Crash on Notorious Bride’s Pool Road

February 15, 2026

Hong Kong Cyclist Dies After Crash on Notorious Bride’s Pool Road

A 49-year-old cyclist died after hitting a kerb on Bride’s Pool Road in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district. He lost consciousness and died at hospital. Police seek witnesses.

Qatar Urges Moon Sighting on Feb 17 to Start Ramadan 1447 AH

February 15, 2026

Qatar Urges Moon Sighting on Feb 17 to Start Ramadan 1447 AH

Qatar's Ministry of Endowments calls on Muslims to spot the crescent moon on February 17 to mark Ramadan's start. Witnesses should report to Dafna Tower immediately after sighting.

Home Office Cancels Private Deportation Flight After Man Swallows Vape Battery

February 15, 2026

Home Office Cancels Private Deportation Flight After Man Swallows Vape Battery

A private Home Office deportation flight was cancelled after an Egyptian man swallowed a lithium vape battery. The man was treated in hospital and returned to detention, with an investigation now underway.

Saudi Arabia cracks down with over 21,000 violations found in one week

February 15, 2026

Saudi Arabia cracks down with over 21,000 violations found in one week

Saudi Arabia spotted more than 21,000 violations in 7 days during a nationwide inspection. Strict penalties await lawbreakers and those who help them, officials warn.

China Fills Military Gap in West and Central Africa After French Exit

February 15, 2026

China Fills Military Gap in West and Central Africa After French Exit

After France’s military withdrawal and a shortage of Russian arms, China steps into West and Central Africa’s security space, gaining new markets for its weapons.

Asia-Pacific Commercial Property Attracts Surge in Capital as Mega-Deals Return in 2025

February 15, 2026

Asia-Pacific Commercial Property Attracts Surge in Capital as Mega-Deals Return in 2025

Asia-Pacific’s commercial real estate is attracting big global investment in 2025. Offices, retail, and hotels lead the comeback with mega-deals returning. Capital raised surged 130% since 2024, signaling strong market recovery.

Philippine Embassy in UAE Shortens Service Hours for Ramadan 2026

February 15, 2026

Philippine Embassy in UAE Shortens Service Hours for Ramadan 2026

As Ramadan 2026 begins around February 19, the Philippine Embassy and Consulates in the UAE reduce working hours. Services like passport renewal and notarial acts will run shorter, requiring early appointments.

Mutual Funds Cut Rs 1,943 Crore Cash Monthly; HDFC Tops With Rs 31,510 Crore

February 15, 2026

Mutual Funds Cut Rs 1,943 Crore Cash Monthly; HDFC Tops With Rs 31,510 Crore

Mutual funds lowered their cash by Rs 1,943 crore every month, with total cash at Rs 2.05 lakh crore in January 2026. HDFC Mutual Fund led cash holdings with Rs 31,510 crore, making up 6.87% of its AUM.

Russia Seizes 12 Eastern Ukraine Villages in February, Army Chief Says

February 15, 2026

Russia Seizes 12 Eastern Ukraine Villages in February, Army Chief Says

Russia’s army chief Valery Gerasimov told troops that Moscow seized 12 villages in eastern Ukraine in two weeks this February, ahead of US talks to end the war. Russian troops are moving closer to key cities in the Donetsk region as fighting nears its fourth year.