February 18, 2026

Mazda, Nissan, Subaru May Pay Millions in Fines for Missing Australia's Emissions Targets

Mazda, Nissan, and Subaru are at risk of paying millions in fines after missing Australia's new vehicle emissions standards. While 68% of carmakers beat targets, others lag behind. Electric vehicles made up 12% of sales, showing growth but still below global levels. The government and industry groups highlight progress and call for stronger targets.

February 18, 2026

Bitcoin Drops 3.2% Amid Geopolitical Tensions, Crypto Market Sentiment Weakens

Bitcoin prices fell as much as 3.2% to $66,604 on Tuesday due to rising geopolitical tensions and risk-off mood. Although institutions are adopting crypto, market sentiment remains bleak, trailing US stock movements.

February 18, 2026

Kerala Extends Bar Hours to Midnight, 5-Star Hotels Allowed Till 3 a.m.

Kerala government extends bar timings by 2 hours till midnight; 5-star hotels can serve till 3 a.m. The move to boost tourism sparks criticism from Kerala Catholic Bishops Council.

February 18, 2026

Ashfaq’s Fight Against Childhood Cancer Highlights Gaps in Pakistan’s Healthcare

Ten-year-old Ashfaq from Sindh beat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia with treatment at Karachi's National Institute of Child Health. His story shines a light on childhood cancer challenges in Pakistan, where under half of kids get necessary care. National efforts now aim to boost survival rates from 30% to 60% by 2030.

February 18, 2026

China's EV Surge: CATL’s Battery Innovation and Tesla’s AI Centre Power Market Growth

China claims Brazil’s top vehicle exporter spot, unveils sodium-ion battery tech by CATL, enforces price floors, and sees Tesla launch an AI training centre. These moves shape the fierce EV race with faster payments, flying cars, and battery swapping.

February 18, 2026

DGP Alok Kumar Probes Mobile Phone Use in Hindalga Jail, Calls for Tighter Security

Karnataka's DGP Alok Kumar inspects Hindalga Central prison after reports of inmates using mobile phones despite signal jammers. He demands strict action and stronger jail security.

February 18, 2026

Punjab Man Jailed for Assaulting Wife and Mother-in-law in Domestic Abuse Case

A court in Lahore sentenced a man to three months in jail for assaulting his wife and mother-in-law. The court ruled despite missing medical reports, citing victims’ testimony and police delays.

February 18, 2026

Centre to Widen Salem-Chengapalli NH 544 to Six Lanes After MP’s Persistent Push

The government will widen the 102.5-km Salem-Chengapalli stretch of NH 544 from 4 to 6 lanes due to heavy traffic. A Detailed Project Report is underway. MP K. Subbarayan's repeated appeals helped move the project forward.

February 18, 2026

Indian Professor Falsely Claims Chinese Robot Dog as University Creation, Sparks Outcry

A professor at Galgotias University in India wrongly claimed a Chinese-made robot dog was developed by her university at the AI Impact Summit. The claim led to political criticism and protests online, with Galgotias clarifying the robot was bought from a Chinese startup and used for student experiments.

February 18, 2026

China's Retired Seniors Chase Overseas Education to Fulfil Old Dreams

Chinese retirees are enrolling in short-term study programs overseas to fulfill lifelong dreams. This growing trend challenges China's education system to offer deeper learning, beyond easy hobby courses, for its large and rising senior population.