February 17, 2026

Can AI Chatbots Really Predict Fortunes? Hong Kong Experts Doubt It

Hong Kong experts say AI chatbots can't match human fortune tellers. Testing showed AI predicting 2026, Year of the Horse, with warnings of social friction. But astrologers say AI lacks the ‘sixth sense’ needed for true metaphysics.

February 17, 2026

Hong Kong Welcomes 4 Newborns at Midnight in the Year of the Horse

At midnight, Hong Kong greeted four new babies marking the Year of the Horse. Among them are a girl whose father holds a talent visa from mainland China and a boy, the fifth child of a local family.

February 17, 2026

Thousands Exit Syria's al-Hol ISIL Camp Prompting Security, Humanitarian Fears

The population of Syria's al-Hol camp has dropped from 24,000 to a few thousand after the Kurdish-led SDF handed control to the Syrian government. The chaotic exits spark fears of security risks and humanitarian crises as many detainees moved without clear coordination.

February 17, 2026

More Than a Dozen Killed in Bomb Blasts and Gunfight in Northwest Pakistan

Two bomb blasts and a gunfight in Pakistan’s northwest have killed over a dozen people, including 11 security forces and a child. The attacks hit Bajaur and Bannu districts, causing multiple casualties and injuries amid ongoing violence linked to rebel fighters.

February 17, 2026

Australian Man Jailed 8 Years for Smuggling Lizards in Popcorn Bags

Neil Simpson, 61, was sentenced to a record 8 years for smuggling 101 Australian reptiles hidden in popcorn bags sent overseas. The animals included shingleback lizards and bearded dragons.

February 17, 2026

Philippines Rebukes China Embassy Over Job Loss Warning Amid South China Sea Dispute

The Philippines slammed China's embassy for its warning that worsening ties could cost millions of jobs. Manila called the message coercive amid ongoing South China Sea tensions.

February 17, 2026

11 Security Personnel Martyred in Bajaur Terror Blast; 12 Terrorists Killed

A deadly terrorist attack in Bajaur district killed 11 soldiers and injured civilians. Pakistan’s forces killed 12 terrorists in swift retaliation. The blast also damaged homes and claimed a young girl's life.

February 17, 2026

US Hosts Russia-Ukraine Talks in Geneva Amid Rising Attacks

The US will host Russia-Ukraine talks in Geneva as attacks intensify. Zelenskyy calls for diplomacy with 'justice and strength' before the invasion anniversary.

February 17, 2026

Bothwell Hit by 27 Arson Attacks Since 2021; Police Yet to Catch Suspects

Bothwell, a wealthy Scottish commuter town, has seen 27 fires since 2021, damaging businesses and cars. Police report no link between fires and only one suspect found. Locals fear ongoing attacks and want action.

February 17, 2026

UK Shelves £110m Post-Brexit Trade Window Project After Delays

The UK government has paused its £110m single trade window project meant to ease post-Brexit border trade. Despite spending millions, no progress came since January 2023. The project aimed to unify business paperwork digitally but now faces uncertainty.