February 18, 2026

Asian Paints Q3 decorative volume growth slips to 8%, EBITDA margin improves to 20.1%

Asian Paints reported slower 8% decorative volume growth in December quarter with steady international revenue. EBITDA margin rose to 20.1% aided by lower raw material costs. FY26 growth forecast is cautious at 5% value growth amid subdued pricing and demand.

February 18, 2026

Hong Kong Workers Brace for Unpaid Lunar New Year as Scaffold Net Rules Halt Projects

Hong Kong construction workers face unpaid months and may skip Lunar New Year breaks due to new scaffold net safety rules. Hundreds of jobs are stalled as projects pause.

February 18, 2026

New Mexico Probes Epstein Ranch; Hillary Hits Trump, LA Mayor Demands Olympics Chief Quit

New Mexico lawmakers launch first full probe into Epstein's Zorro Ranch abuse claims. Hillary Clinton slams Trump for cover-up. LA mayor demands Olympics chief resign over Epstein ties. Hyatt CEO also quits amid scandal.

February 18, 2026

Pakistan Moves Toward AI in Public Sector, But Reform and Time Needed

Experts say Pakistan needs time, reforms, and strong data laws to adopt AI in public services. Huawei highlights the country’s IT talent and the need for local cloud for data security.

February 18, 2026

Nomura, UBS Say IT Stock Sell-Off Overdone; Adaptability and AI Key for Growth

Nomura and UBS say fears about IT services stocks are exaggerated. Transition pains are front-loaded. High cash flows and dividend yields support stock floors. Adaptability to AI and new models will decide winners. Top picks include Infosys, Coforge, and eClerx.

February 18, 2026

Auto Loans Reach Rs328bn in January; Experts Urge Higher Financing Limits to Boost Car Sales

Auto loans in Pakistan rose to Rs328 billion in January 2026, marking the 14th month of growth. Experts say raising loan limits can drive more car sales and boost the auto market.

February 18, 2026

Supreme Court Upholds Satire Rights as Govt Tightens Online Content Controls

India’s Supreme Court supports satire and comedy as vital free speech, even as new IT rules cut down time for social media content removal to 3 hours. The move follows blocking of a cartoon showing PM Modi, sparking debate on freedom versus national security.

February 18, 2026

Girl Student Dies After Fall from Fatima Jinnah Medical University Hostel in Lahore

A female student from Fatima Jinnah Medical University in Lahore fell from the hostel's fourth floor and later died after surgery. Authorities launched an investigation into the incident.

February 18, 2026

Man Sets Woman on Fire After Marriage Proposal Rejected in Mahabubabad

A man in Mahabubabad set a woman on fire after she rejected his marriage proposal. Both are critically injured with 70% burns and under hospital care.

February 18, 2026

Hundreds Evacuated After Cooking Smoke Triggers False Fire Alarm in Hong Kong Estate

Early on Lunar New Year’s second day, hundreds fled Kin Ming Estate in Hong Kong after a fire alarm was set off by cooking smoke, not fire.