February 17, 2026

Curry Fishball Toys Soar at Hong Kong Lunar New Year Fair, Vendors Earn HK$100,000 Daily

Curry fishball plush toys and local Hong Kong-themed items are flying off shelves at Victoria Park's Lunar New Year Fair. One vendor reports over HK$100,000 in daily sales, as thousands enjoy the festive spirit with unique, nostalgic merchandise.

February 17, 2026

Anthropic CEO: We Don’t Know if AI Models Are Conscious as AGI Race Heats Up

Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei admits uncertainty over AI consciousness amid faster AGI timelines. Their latest model, Claude Opus 4.6, stirs debate with unusual safety test behaviors.

February 17, 2026

Over 130 Delegates Attend National Conference on AI in Veterinary Medicine at Madras

A three-day national conference on AI and emerging technologies in veterinary medicine began at Madras Veterinary College, drawing 130+ delegates. Experts highlighted the role of AI in precision diagnosis and animal health care innovations.

February 17, 2026

Devyani Saltzman Departs Barbican Amid Major Leadership Shifts

Devyani Saltzman, the driving force behind Barbican’s arts program, is leaving just weeks after the arrival of new CEO Abigail Pogson. Saltzman shaped a five-year creative vision and helped mend community trust after controversies. Her exit leaves a leadership gap during a major £451m renewal plan for the iconic London arts centre.

February 17, 2026

Israel Pushes Ahead with West Bank Land Annexation Steps

Israel speeds up control over the West Bank by approving new land rules and reactivating land registration after decades. This changes land ownership, sparking fears of tensions.

February 17, 2026

UK Govt Drops Plan to Delay 30 Council Elections, Councils Scramble to Organise Voting

The UK government abandoned plans to delay 30 council elections in England after a legal challenge. Councils now have just over 11 weeks to prepare for May 7 polling day, causing frustration and confusion among local leaders and parties.

February 17, 2026

Australian IS-Linked Families Released from Syria Camp but Returned Amid Permission Issues

Thirty-four Australian women and children tied to IS were freed from Syria’s Roj camp to return home but were sent back over technical hurdles. Their future remains uncertain as Australia refuses official repatriation.

February 17, 2026

Angus Taylor denies leaked immigration ban plan; racism report exposes systemic issues in Australian universities

New Liberal leader Angus Taylor says he has no knowledge of the leaked immigration plan by former leader Sussan Ley. Meanwhile, a report reveals racism is widespread in Australian universities, affecting many groups including Palestinian and Jewish students.

February 17, 2026

India and US Near Interim Trade Deal with Tariff Cuts and Market Access Boost

India and the US are finalizing a legal interim trade pact that cuts tariffs and opens up market access for textiles and agriculture. Talks continue in Washington, targeting a March deal signing.

February 17, 2026

Bangladesh MPs and Constitution Reform Commission to be Sworn In on Feb 17, 2026

On February 17, 2026, new Bangladeshi MPs and the Constitution Reform Commission will be sworn in at 10 a.m. Later, BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and his Cabinet will take oath amid global guests. This marks the end of the interim government led by Chief Adviser Mohammed Yunus.