February 17, 2026

Crowds Brave Rain at Hong Kong's Tai Po Wishing Tree on Lunar New Year

Despite rain and cool weather, locals and tourists gathered at Hong Kong’s Tai Po Wishing Tree on Lunar New Year’s first day to hang wishes for health, happiness, and prosperity. The popular tradition sees visitors throwing placards to catch branches, hoping their wishes come true. The Hong Kong Well-wishing Festival also opened nearby.

February 17, 2026

AAIB Seeks Special Support to Retrieve Voice Data from Baramati Learjet Crash

The AAIB is working hard to retrieve cockpit voice data from the Learjet 45 that crashed near Baramati on January 28. Maharashtra Deputy CM Ajit Pawar and four others died. The flight data recorder was downloaded successfully, but the voice recorder is damaged and needs expert help from the US.

February 17, 2026

Police Promise Stronger Action on Domestic Abuse Suicides, Face Resource Challenges

The National Police Chiefs’ Council plans more investigations into domestic abuse-related suicides despite resource shortages. Assistant Commissioner Louisa Rolfe highlights new guidance and ongoing challenges in police response and justice delays.

February 17, 2026

UK Unemployment Rises to 5.2%, Wage Growth Slows Amid Economic Concerns

UK unemployment rate climbs to 5.2%, highest since early 2021. Wages grow slowly, especially in private sector. Bank of England watches closely as rate cuts await.

February 17, 2026

Ukraine Freezes Soldiers' Sperm to Tackle Demographic Crisis Amid War

Ukraine is freezing soldiers' sperm for free to help families and fight a demographic crisis worsened by war deaths and refugees. MPs back laws to preserve samples for partners.

February 17, 2026

Gentoo Penguin Is First Bird in Australian Territory to Test Positive for H5N1 Bird Flu

The deadly H5N1 bird flu has reached gentoo penguins on Australia's Heard Island. This marks the first bird detection on Australian territory, raising concerns about wildlife risks.

February 17, 2026

Nepal Political Parties Start Campaigning for March 5 General Elections

Nepal’s political parties officially began campaigning on Monday for the March 5 general elections as election restrictions ended. Voters total nearly 19 million, including over 900,000 new registrants.

February 17, 2026

Chinese Tourists Shun Japan Over Taiwan Row, Tourism Dips Sharply

Chinese visitors to Japan have nearly halved since late 2025 due to tensions over Taiwan. Travel alerts and political clashes have pushed Chinese tourists to choose other Asian destinations during Lunar New Year.

February 17, 2026

Feng Shui Masters Warn of High 'Fire Energy' Risks in Year of the Horse

Feng shui experts caution that the Year of the Horse, marked by intense fire energy, may trigger conflicts and tensions. Hong Kong faces challenges despite economic growth.

February 17, 2026

Okinawa's Anti-Base Alliance Faces Setback After Election Defeat

Okinawa's broad anti-base alliance, All Okinawa, suffered a tough election loss. Analysts suggest younger voters' changing priorities may have played a role. The alliance opposes a new US military base in Henoko and aims to reduce the US forces' impact on the prefecture.