February 17, 2026

Hong Kong Welcomes Over 660,000 Visitors During Lunar New Year, Boosting Festive Spirit

Hong Kong draws large crowds for Lunar New Year as visitor numbers rise. More than 530,000 arrivals are from mainland China, with busy airports and rail stations marking the holiday.

February 17, 2026

Russian Woman Carries Ukraine Placard at Milan Cortina Winter Games

Anastasia Kucherova, a Russian living in Milan, boldly carried Ukraine's placard at the Winter Olympics opening. She wore dark glasses and a silver coat, hiding her identity while showing her quiet protest against Russia's war.

February 17, 2026

Lunar New Year Sparks Strong Demand in China’s Gold Jewellery Market

China’s gold jewellery sales soar during Lunar New Year with busy shoppers and small discounts from retailers like Chow Tai Fook. Prices to rise after festival amid bullish investment outlooks.

February 17, 2026

Hong Kong Lights Up Victoria Harbour for Year of the Horse Lunar New Year Fireworks

Hong Kong will celebrate the Year of the Horse with a spectacular fireworks show across Victoria Harbour. The display starts at 8pm, stretching 850 meters and reaching 250 meters high with horse-themed scenes.

February 17, 2026

UAE and Bahrain Start One-Point Air Travellers Project to Speed Up Airport Entry

The UAE and Bahrain have begun a pilot project called One-Point Air Travellers. It lets passengers complete entry checks before flying, cutting wait times and easing travel between the two countries. This smart move could boost tourism, trade, and make cross-border trips smoother in the Gulf.

February 17, 2026

India Approves Massive Megaport and Infrastructure Project on Great Nicobar Island

India has given the green light to build a huge megaport, airport, power plant, and township on Great Nicobar Island. Covering nearly 18% of the island, the project aims to boost maritime and air links near the busy Strait of Malacca but worries environmentalists due to possible ecological harm.

February 17, 2026

Fire Erupts at Chemical Factory in Karachi’s SITE Area; Rescue Teams Rush to Control Blaze

A fire broke out Tuesday at a chemical factory near Valika Chowrangi in Karachi’s SITE area. Rescue 1122, Sindh Rangers, and KMC teams are working to control the fire. The Mayor and Chief Minister have ordered full support for rescue and safety efforts.

February 17, 2026

Suspected Serial Killer Killed by Own Accomplices During Police Encounter in Gujranwala

A suspected serial killer, caught while fleeing, was killed by gunfire from his own accomplices during a police encounter in Gujranwala. Police are investigating the attack.

February 17, 2026

Big Power Rivalry Fuels Maritime Threats in Southeast Asia, Asean Says

Asean sees growing mistrust between superpowers as the biggest threat to maritime security. Smaller nations risk becoming pawns in this fierce geopolitical game, warns Secretary General Kao Kim Hourn.

February 17, 2026

PHC orders reopening of roads blocked by PTI protests in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Peshawar High Court directs KP police and government to clear roads blocked by PTI protesters demanding Imran Khan's hospital transfer. The blockade disrupted key highways and caused major traffic chaos.