February 17, 2026

Kerala Declares Tidal Flooding a State-Specific Disaster to Aid Coastal Communities

Kerala government has officially declared flooding from tidal rise as a State-specific disaster. Victims will now get financial aid under the State Disaster Response Fund. This is the first Indian state to recognize tidal flooding this way.

February 17, 2026

India’s AI Impact Summit Faces Crowd Chaos and Confusion on Day One

India’s AI Impact Summit opened amid long lines, crowding, and poor organization in New Delhi. Attendees and speakers faced confusion over access and sessions, raising concerns about the event’s management and impact on India’s tech image.

February 17, 2026

Hyderabad Police Warn Youngsters Against Narcotics Video During Mahashivratri

Hyderabad Police Commissioner V.C. Sajjanar warns youths about harsh legal action under the NDPS Act after a video showed narcotics used in Mahashivratri celebrations. He urges young people to avoid risking their futures for social media fame.

February 17, 2026

Pentagon Nears Cutting Ties with Anthropic Over AI Use Restrictions

The Pentagon is close to ending its contract with AI firm Anthropic due to disagreements on how its Claude AI tool can be used. Anthropic wants to block its use in mass surveillance and autonomous weapons, while the Pentagon seeks broader flexibility. Talks are stalled amid fears of supply chain risks.

February 17, 2026

China Companies Slash Year-End Bonuses Amid Profit Squeeze in 2025

Chinese firms are tightening their belts as profit margins shrink. Over a quarter of workers won't get any year-end bonuses in 2025, with many payouts small and hiring frozen. The bonus boost from past booming years is slowing down fast.

February 17, 2026

Hong Kong Airport’s Second Terminal to Open Fully on May 27 Serving 15 Airlines

Hong Kong’s airport will fully open its second terminal on May 27. It will serve 15 airlines, mainly regional flights, and feature smart tech and new dining. This move will ease pressure on the busy first terminal and boost airport capacity.

February 17, 2026

Jakarta Drowns in Trash: 14,000 Tonnes of Daily Waste Overflowing Landfills

Jakarta and nearby cities generate 14,000 tonnes of rubbish each day, flooding local landfills. Residents suffer from foul smells and dirty surroundings.

February 17, 2026

India and China Clash Over Remote Shaksgam Valley Border Dispute

India and China have exchanged sharp words over the Shaksgam Valley, a remote and harsh region in dispute. Both claim the area, reviving old colonial rivalries and complex border issues between the two nations.

February 17, 2026

Walmart’s Sam’s Club Expands in China with Localised Products and 10 New Stores in 2025

Sam’s Club, owned by Walmart, is growing fast in China. It opened 10 new stores in 2025, focusing on smaller cities. Unlike other foreign retailers leaving China, Sam’s Club wins by selling local products and offering smaller packaging sizes.

February 17, 2026

Unique Pokemon Card Sells for $16.5 Million, Breaking World Record

A rare Pikachu Illustrator Pokemon card sold for a whopping US$16.5 million at auction. The card, previously bought by YouTuber Logan Paul for $5.28 million, was purchased by AJ Scaramucci, setting a new world record.