February 11, 2026

Ireland Launches Weekly Basic Income Scheme for 2,000 Artists to Boost Creativity

Ireland starts a new Basic Income for the Arts scheme giving 2,000 artists €325 weekly for three years. The aim is to cut artists’ financial stress and help them focus on creativity. The move follows a successful Covid trial and makes Ireland the first country to make such a scheme permanent.

February 11, 2026

Greek Air Force Officer Arrested for Spying for China, Faces Life Sentence

A Greek Air Force officer, Col Christos Flessas, was arrested for leaking top secret military information to China. He admitted to sharing classified NATO documents and passing sensitive technology details after being recruited by Beijing. The case highlights China's deep spying efforts in Europe’s military.

February 11, 2026

Hong Kong Businessman Charged for Illegal Surrogacy Services Overseas

Alfred Siu and Harcourt manager Lin Siu-fong charged for organizing surrogacy abroad and promoting it in Hong Kong, where surrogacy is illegal.

February 11, 2026

China Unveils Secret SDV-01 Underwater Combat Vehicle at Saudi Defence Show

China revealed its secret SDV-01 underwater combat vehicle for the first time overseas at the Saudi Arabia defence show. The wet submersible carries frogmen for special missions, showing China’s growing strength in naval technology and its interest in Middle Eastern markets.

February 11, 2026

China Overseas Land Wins HK$1.8 Billion Bid for Ngau Tau Kok Housing Plot

China Overseas Land & Investment beat eight rivals to secure a HK$1.8 billion (US$230 million) lease for a Hong Kong residential plot. The land is set to yield 470 flats near Kowloon Bay MTR station.

February 11, 2026

Hong Kong Scam Cases Drop 2.9% in 2025, First Fall Since 2019

Hong Kong crime reports show scam cases down 2.9% in 2025, ending years of rise. Overall crimes also fell, but homicides soared due to a deadly fire.

February 11, 2026

Trump's Cheeky Dance with Statue of Liberty to Headline German Carnival

At the Mainz carnival in Germany, a bold Trump figure dances with the Statue of Liberty in no trousers, sticking out his tongue. Alongside, floats feature Chancellor Friedrich Merz sinking in a boat and Markus Soeder atop sausages. These satirical figures will star on Rosenmontag, the carnival's highlight.

February 11, 2026

Paramount Boosts Offer for Warner Bros with Extra Cash to Outbid Netflix

Paramount Skydance ups the ante against Netflix by offering $650 million quarterly fees if its Warner Bros deal delays past 2026. The CBS parent stays firm on its $108.4 billion offer. Netflix and Paramount both chase Warner Bros’ valuable studios and franchises in a fierce takeover battle.

February 11, 2026

EU Approves Deportation of Migrants to ‘Safe’ Third Countries Amid Human Rights Fears

The European Parliament has passed a law allowing member states to deport asylum seekers to ‘safe’ countries outside the EU, even if they have no ties there. Rights groups warn this could expose migrants to abuse. The rule needs member states’ final approval and starts in June.

February 11, 2026

Two Boys Stabbed at London School, Police Hunt Teenage Suspect

Two boys aged 12 and 13 were stabbed at Kingsbury High School in north-west London. Police are urgently searching for a teenage suspect while emergency services rush to care for the victims.