February 18, 2026

Lion-tailed Macaques Show Big Group Growth in Private Plantations Near Valparai

Endangered lion-tailed macaques are forming large groups of up to 117 in private plantations near Valparai. A new study reveals their population is rising sharply outside protected areas, signaling changes in their behavior and habitat use.

February 18, 2026

Australia Bans Return of Citizen with Alleged Isis Ties from Syria Using New Law

Australia has used a new 2019 law to ban an Australian woman with alleged Isis links from returning from Syria. She was stopped by Syrian authorities and sent back to a detention camp. This is the first use of the temporary exclusion order targeting high-risk citizens.

February 18, 2026

Quantum Century Exhibition Opens at Government College for Women in Vazhuthacaud

The Quantum Century science exhibition begins Thursday at Government College for Women, Vazhuthacaud. Minister V. Sivankutty will inaugurate it. The event marks 100 years of quantum science, featuring talks, exhibits from college departments, and scientific stalls.

February 18, 2026

Chinese Coastguard Steps Up Drone Use at Scarborough Shoal Amid South China Sea Tensions

China's coastguard is relying more on drones for patrol and filming near Scarborough Shoal. Operators endure tough conditions to track foreign vessels in this disputed South China Sea area claimed by both China and the Philippines.

February 18, 2026

Madras High Court Denies Stay on ECI’s De-registration of Inactive Political Parties

The Madras High Court refused to stop the Election Commission from de-registering political parties that did not contest elections in the last six years. The court said no interim relief can be given as it would allow these parties to contest upcoming Tamil Nadu Assembly elections. The final hearing is set for March 2026.

February 18, 2026

Japan Travel Warning Issued After Hongkonger Attacked in Sapporo

A Hongkonger was hit with a beer bottle in a Sapporo restaurant. The Chinese consulate warned citizens to avoid Japan and stay alert after police arrested a suspect.

February 18, 2026

US Judge Allows Buffalo Wild Wings To Keep Using 'Boneless Wings' Name Despite Lawsuit

A US judge has dismissed a $10m lawsuit claiming Buffalo Wild Wings misleads customers by calling chicken nuggets 'boneless wings'. The judge said the term is widely understood and not deceptive.

February 18, 2026

Union Contract Coverage Hits 16-Year High in 2025 Despite Trump-Era Challenges

Union contracts now cover 16.5 million US workers, reaching the highest level since 2009. Union membership rose despite federal attempts to cut collective bargaining.

February 18, 2026

Govt Reverses Election Postponement in Lancashire, Labour Fears 'Annihilation' in May Polls

The UK government canceled the planned delay of local elections in Lancashire, forcing seven councils to vote in May. Labour leaders warn of heavy losses, with Reform UK likely to dominate. The move follows a legal threat from Reform UK and disrupts local government reorganization efforts.

February 18, 2026

UK Graduates in Germany, Belgium Face Big Student Loan Repayment Hike from April

From April 2026, UK graduates living in Germany and Belgium will see a sharp rise in student loan repayments. The repayment threshold is slashed, forcing some to pay hundreds more yearly. Critics call the move “messed-up logic” as living costs have not fallen. This sparks fresh pressure on Rachel Reeves amid debates on student debt reforms.