Hong Kong's Central Pier Footbridge Closes for Demolition; New Path Opens Thursday

February 19, 2026

Hong Kong's Central Pier Footbridge Closes for Demolition; New Path Opens Thursday

The footbridge linking Hong Kong’s Central Pier with IFC closes today for demolition. A new temporary walkway will open nearby on Thursday, says Henderson Land.

Iran Marks 40 Days Since Protest Killings With Mourning and School Strikes

February 19, 2026

Iran Marks 40 Days Since Protest Killings With Mourning and School Strikes

Iranian families mourn protest victims at nationwide ceremonies. Teachers and students strike schools to protest killings during January unrest. Security forces remain active near schools amid tense atmosphere.

US FDA Reverses Decision, Agrees to Review Moderna's Flu Vaccine for 50+ Age Group

February 19, 2026

US FDA Reverses Decision, Agrees to Review Moderna's Flu Vaccine for 50+ Age Group

Moderna’s new mRNA flu vaccine gets a second chance as the US FDA agrees to review the revised application after initial refusal. The flu shot could be available later this year for adults 50 to 64 and seniors 65+.

Two Female Inmates Accuse Ex-Cook of Rape at California Prison

February 19, 2026

Two Female Inmates Accuse Ex-Cook of Rape at California Prison

Two women in a California prison accuse Marcus Johnson, a former supervisory cook, of raping them in 2020. One claim was substantiated; prosecutors are reviewing the case. The women demand justice to stop future abuse.

Two killed, three injured in car crash on NH-44 near Shadnagar

February 18, 2026

Two killed, three injured in car crash on NH-44 near Shadnagar

Two men died and three were hurt when their car hit a heavy vehicle on NH-44 near Shadnagar early Wednesday. The victims were returning from a pilgrimage.

Punjab Confirms Basant Festival to Return in February 2027 with Bigger Celebration

February 18, 2026

Punjab Confirms Basant Festival to Return in February 2027 with Bigger Celebration

Punjab Information Minister Azma Bokhari announced that Basant, revived recently in Lahore, will officially be celebrated again in February 2027. The government praised the recent safe event and confirmed no plans to hold Basant before 2027.

12 Dead in Hubei Firework Explosion Days After Similar Blast Hits Jiangsu

February 18, 2026

12 Dead in Hubei Firework Explosion Days After Similar Blast Hits Jiangsu

Twelve people died in a deadly firework shop explosion in Hubei, China, just days after eight died in Jiangsu. Authorities blame unsafe firework handling and vow tighter controls during Lunar New Year.

Kerala Govt Challenges High Court Stay on Nava Keralam Outreach Programme in Supreme Court

February 18, 2026

Kerala Govt Challenges High Court Stay on Nava Keralam Outreach Programme in Supreme Court

Kerala government has moved the Supreme Court against the High Court's suspension of the Nava Keralam Citizen Response Programme and its ₹20 crore budget. The government says the High Court interfered with public policy and governance powers.

Gadchiroli Police and CRPF Demolish 44 Maoist Monuments in Major Operation

February 18, 2026

Gadchiroli Police and CRPF Demolish 44 Maoist Monuments in Major Operation

Gadchiroli Police and CRPF demolished 44 Maoist monuments across several Maoist strongholds. The operation involved 800 personnel and aimed at ending insurgent symbols and boosting peace.

FDA Reverses Decision to Review Moderna’s mRNA Flu Vaccine Application

February 18, 2026

FDA Reverses Decision to Review Moderna’s mRNA Flu Vaccine Application

After initially rejecting it, the FDA will now review Moderna’s mRNA flu vaccine for adults 50 and older. A final decision is expected by August 5.