February 17, 2026

Banks’ Income from Insurance Soars 2.5x in FY25, RBI Tightens Rules Against Mis-selling

Banks earned ₹16,747 crore from insurance sales in FY25, up 2.5 times from FY19. RBI's new draft rules demand stricter customer protection to stop mis-selling in bank-sold financial products.

February 17, 2026

Judge Orders Restoration of Slavery Exhibit Removed by Trump Administration in Philadelphia

A US judge has ruled that the Trump administration must restore a slavery exhibit in Philadelphia about George Washington's enslaved people. The ruling pauses any changes while legal battles continue.

February 17, 2026

GHMC Launches Smart Parking Pilot at 14 Key Spots in Hyderabad

GHMC starts a new smart parking pilot at 14 locations in Hyderabad's Khairatabad Zone. The project features digital payments, mobile app updates, and EV charging. Agencies will manage parking for three years. Success may lead to city-wide rollout.

February 17, 2026

Ukraine Groups Reveal Russia’s Reliance on Western Tech, Shape Sanctions Strategy

Civil society groups in Ukraine have uncovered how Russia depends on Western CNC machines and materials for military gear. Their findings helped the US and EU impose strict sanctions, hitting Russia's war efforts and forcing it to rely on lower-quality alternatives and risky smuggling routes.

February 17, 2026

US Fuel Blockade in Cuba Halts Garbage Trucks, Streets Overflow with Waste

Fuel shortages from the US blockade have stopped many garbage trucks in Cuba. Refuse piles up in Havana and other cities, raising health concerns. President Trump calls Cuba a 'failed nation' amid growing crisis.

February 17, 2026

Suppression Order Lifted on Man Accused in Perth Invasion Day Bomb Plot

A Perth magistrate lifted the court order hiding Liam Alexander Hall's name. Hall is charged with trying to bomb an Invasion Day rally in Perth. The device failed to explode. Hall did not appear in court. He is held in custody and will appear again on March 31.

February 17, 2026

Russia and Ukraine Hold Key Peace Talks in Geneva Amid Trump’s Push for Quick Deal

Russia and Ukraine meet in Geneva for peace talks focused on territory, as Trump urges Ukraine to agree fast. The meeting comes before the war's fourth anniversary.

February 17, 2026

Report Finds Systemic Racism Against Students at Australian Universities

A major report reveals systemic racism at Australia’s universities, with Palestinian, Jewish, First Nations, and international students facing harassment, threats, and discrimination. Only 6% report incidents due to lack of trust in complaint systems. The government plans reforms following these findings.

February 17, 2026

Australia Eyes Temporary Ban on Women, Children From Syrian ISIS Camp

Australia is reviewing a possible temporary ban on women and children from a Syrian ISIS camp. 34 people tried to return but were sent back. The government debates security risks while families plead for help.

February 17, 2026

Indian Parliament Hits Turmoil Over Speaker, Rahul Gandhi and Stalled Debates

The Indian Parliament is roiled by conflict as Opposition parties accuse Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla of blocking debates on crucial issues. Rahul Gandhi faces possible ban from Parliament amid controversies including a blocked book by ex-army chief M.M. Naravane and concerns over a US trade deal.