February 18, 2026

UK Sees 1,000 Paedophile Arrests Monthly as Child Sexual Abuse Soars Online

Child sexual abuse in the UK is rising fast. Police arrest 1,000 suspects every month. Children rescued from harm rose by 50% in five years. Technology and social media play big roles. Experts warn tech firms must do more.

February 18, 2026

Australia Adds Record 2.1GW Renewable Energy in Last Quarter of 2025

Australia's electricity grid saw a record 2.1GW of wind and solar power added in Q4 2025, enough to power Brisbane 1.5 times over. Battery storage also tripled, making 2025 a top year for renewables.

February 18, 2026

AP Government Approves ₹150.09 Crore to Replace Dowleswaram Barrage Gates

Andhra Pradesh has approved ₹150.09 crore to replace gates at the Dowleswaram Barrage, vital for irrigation and water supply. Flood management plans and reservoir repairs also underway.

February 18, 2026

5000-Year-Old Bacterium Found in Romanian Ice Cave Resists Modern Antibiotics

Scientists in Romania discovered a 5,000-year-old bacterium in a frozen cave that can resist multiple modern antibiotics. The bacteria may spread resistance genes as ice melts due to climate change, but also hold potential for new medicines.

February 18, 2026

Black Box Fire-Damaged in Ajit Pawar Plane Crash; Cockpit Voice Recorder Data Pending

The black box from the plane crash that killed Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar was fire-damaged. Flight data was retrieved but cockpit voice recordings are still under analysis, says probe agency.

February 18, 2026

James Blunt Tells Indians to Leave Texas Over Racism and High Taxes

US entrepreneur James Blunt urged Indians to leave Texas, calling out 'racist tantrums' and high property taxes. His statement sparked both support and backlash online.

February 18, 2026

Ukraine and Russia Meet in Geneva; Trump Pushes Kyiv for Fast Peace Deal

Ukraine and Russia began US-led peace talks in Geneva. Trump urges Kyiv to act fast for peace. Zelensky asks allies to ramp up sanctions and weapons to press Russia.

February 18, 2026

New Jersey Transit Urges Work from Home as Gateway Rail Upgrade Hits NYC Commutes

New Jersey's transit authority asks commuters to work from home for up to a month due to major rail work moving traffic onto a new bridge. The $16bn Gateway Project will cut rail service across the Hudson until March 15, causing delays and fewer trains into Manhattan.

February 18, 2026

ICE Triples Microsoft Azure Cloud Data Amid Deportation Surge, Raising Concerns

ICE massively increased its data stored on Microsoft Azure cloud in late 2025, using AI tools and Microsoft apps. This comes as the agency’s budget and workforce grew with a focus on ramping up deportations.

February 18, 2026

Rhode Island High School Hockey Shooting Kills 3, Injures 3 in Family Dispute

A shooting at a Rhode Island high school hockey game left three dead, including the suspect, and three injured. Officials say it was a targeted family dispute. The game was suspended and authorities continue investigations.