February 18, 2026

TfL’s Ad Banned for Promoting Negative Stereotype of Black Men

The Advertising Standards Authority has banned a TfL ad showing a black boy verbally harassing a white girl. The ad was called irresponsible for promoting a harmful racial stereotype. TfL said the full campaign showed diverse offenders and victims. The ASA ruled the ad harmful and offensive when seen alone, and banned its future use.

February 18, 2026

Tamil Nadu State Universities Get ₹767 Crore Annual Grant with ₹175 Crore Performance Fund

Tamil Nadu Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu announced a ₹767 crore yearly grant and a ₹175 crore performance fund for state universities in his 2026 interim budget. Universities must meet strict conditions to qualify for these funds.

February 18, 2026

Maharashtra Officially Withdraws Muslim Reservation in Jobs, Education

Maharashtra government scraps caste verification for Muslim reservation, effectively ending the 5% quota in government jobs and education. The ordinance granting reservation had lapsed in 2014, and this order declares the status officially.

February 18, 2026

Galgotias University Asked to Vacate AI Summit Stall Over Chinese Robodog Controversy

Galgotias University faces backlash for showcasing a Chinese-made robodog as their tech at AI Summit 2026. The government orders their immediate stall removal. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticizes the summit for promoting Chinese robots over Indian innovation.

February 18, 2026

Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi Pushes Big Boost in Science Investment

Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi vows to expand funding for basic research. She highlights science and talent as key to overcoming challenges like demographic decline and tech rivalry.

February 18, 2026

DGCA May Let Airlines Impose 30-Day Flying Ban on Unruly Passengers Without Committee Approval

DGCA plans to allow airlines to ban disruptive passengers for up to 30 days without waiting for committee decisions. The move aims to speed up action and protect passengers on flights.

February 18, 2026

Newborn Dies After C-Section at Nedumangad Hospital, Sparks Protests Over Negligence

A newborn died soon after a C-section at Nedumangad taluk hospital in Kerala. Family alleges medical negligence. Protests erupted, and the doctor has been put on forced leave.

February 18, 2026

Japan’s Takaichi Skips Liancourt Rocks Event, Easing Tensions with South Korea

Japan’s Takaichi has chosen not to send a cabinet minister to the annual Liancourt Rocks event. This move signals a softer approach towards South Korea and aims to protect the fragile bilateral ties amid increasing regional tensions.

February 18, 2026

West Bengal Govt Calls ED ‘Weaponised’, ED Says It’s ‘Terrorised’ in Supreme Court Clash

West Bengal and the Enforcement Directorate exchanged sharp words in the Supreme Court over ED raids at I-PAC offices. The State accused ED of being misused by the Centre, while ED claimed harassment by Mamata Banerjee’s government. The case is set for March 18 hearing.

February 18, 2026

92-Year-Old Man Dies After Choking on Glutinous Rice Balls in Hong Kong

A 92-year-old man in Hong Kong died after choking on glutinous rice balls. Police say he collapsed and lost consciousness while eating. The incident happened on Wednesday morning.