February 18, 2026

One in Nine New Homes in England Built in Flood Risk Areas Between 2022-24

Nearly 44,000 new homes in England from 2022-24 lie in flood-prone zones, says insurer Aviva. Flood risk is rising as housebuilding surges, with 15% at medium or high risk by 2050. Experts urge stronger planning rules.

February 18, 2026

Climber Trial Begins for Leaving Girlfriend to Die on Austria’s Highest Peak

A man stands trial in Austria accused of negligent manslaughter for leaving his girlfriend to die from hypothermia on Grossglockner mountain in harsh winter conditions. The case questions when mountain risks become criminal liability.

February 18, 2026

Man Charged With Murder After Sydney Stabbing, Victims Critically Injured

A 25-year-old man faces murder charges after a stabbing in Sydney's west killed one and critically injured two. The accused escaped mental health care days before. Police caught him near the scene with CCTV revealing chilling moments of the attack.

February 18, 2026

Alawite Women in Syria Tell of Kidnapping and Sexual Assault Amid Sectarian Strife

Dozens of Alawite women in Syria have been kidnapped and sexually assaulted amid ongoing sectarian violence. Survivors describe horrific abuses and failure of security forces to investigate properly.

February 18, 2026

Central Team Investigates Mysterious Deaths in Palwal Linked to Acute Liver Failure

Seven deaths and serious illnesses hit Palwal’s Chhanysa village. Experts found acute liver failure as common factor. Local health teams are testing water and screening villagers.

February 18, 2026

Oscar-Nominated Writer Mehdi Mahmoudian Freed from Iran Prison After 17 Days

Iranian writer Mehdi Mahmoudian, known for his Oscar nomination, was freed from prison 17 days after arrest for condemning Iran's supreme leader. Released on bail with two others, his case highlights government crackdown on peaceful protests.

February 18, 2026

IISc Study Reveals Animals Fear Hunters More Than Casual Humans

New research by IISc shows animals are more alert around lethal humans like hunters than tourists or researchers. Roads and human settlements can sometimes act as safe zones for prey. The study highlights how animals balance fear and survival in human-dominated areas.

February 18, 2026

Humanoid Robots Dazzle with Martial Arts at China's Lunar New Year Gala

China stunned the world as humanoid robots performed advanced martial arts at the Lunar New Year gala. The show featured world-first flips and spins, highlighting Beijing’s rapid robotics progress.

February 18, 2026

China's 'Chino' Shops in Argentina Show Deeper Ties Beyond Trade

In Buenos Aires, 'chino' stores run by Chinese migrants have become city staples. These mini-markets symbolize strong China-South America community links beyond just trade.

February 18, 2026

US Military Kills 11 Suspected Drug Traffickers in Strikes on Three Vessels

The US military struck three drug trafficking boats in the eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing 11 men and raising the death toll in this campaign to 135. Southern Command confirmed the vessels were carrying out illegal drug operations along known routes.