February 17, 2026

Karnataka Fixes Welfare Fee at 1% Per Gig Transaction Across Platforms

Karnataka will charge a 1% welfare fee per transaction from gig platforms to fund social security for workers. Caps vary by service, from ₹0.5 for food delivery to ₹1.5 for professionals. Payments and details will be tracked in a government portal.

February 17, 2026

12 Nifty500 Stocks Close Above 200 DMA Signaling Uptrend

On February 16, 2026, twelve Nifty500 stocks closed above their 200-day moving average, marking them as in an uptrend, reveals stockedge.com technical scan data.

February 17, 2026

Norwegian Scientist Injured Testing Secret Microwave Weapon Linked to Havana Syndrome

A Norwegian scientist tested a secret microwave pulse device on himself to disprove Havana Syndrome. Instead, he suffered brain damage with symptoms like those of US diplomats worldwide since 2016. The Norwegian government informed the CIA, sparking visits from Pentagon and White House officials.

February 17, 2026

State Bank of Pakistan Launches Cyber Shield to Secure Banking System by 2030

The State Bank of Pakistan has launched 'Cyber Shield', a cyber resilience plan to protect banks from rising cyber threats. The strategy aims to safeguard financial services and build strong cyber defenses by 2030.

February 17, 2026

Chinese Spring Festival: How ‘Biting’ and ‘Whipping’ Rituals Welcome a Fresh Start

Chinese people celebrate the arrival of spring with lively rituals like eating special foods and symbolically whipping a spring ox. These customs bring hopes of good health and a rich harvest for the year.

February 17, 2026

Indonesia Prepares 8,000 Troops for Gaza Peacekeeping; Trump Pledges $5bn for Gaza Ahead of Board of Peace Summit

Indonesia readies 8,000 troops for Gaza peacekeeping by June, with 1,000 ready by April. Trump announces $5bn for Gaza rebuilding. EU to attend Trump’s Board of Peace meeting but limits role. Italy offers to train Gaza police.

February 17, 2026

Maharashtra Forms Task Force to Fight Farmers' Suicides and Climate Crisis

Maharashtra has set up a 10-member special task force to combat farmers’ distress and prevent suicides caused by climate change. The group will focus on mental health and better farming support.

February 17, 2026

175 Fall Sick from Food Poisoning at Jharkhand Mahashivratri Fair

At least 175 people, mostly children, fell ill after eating contaminated food at a fair in Jharkhand's Palamu district. Over 150 have recovered, with 22 still in hospital.

February 17, 2026

Pakistan, Global Community Reject Israel's West Bank Land Takeover Move

Pakistan and other nations condemn Israel's new policy to register West Bank land as state property. The UN calls it unlawful. Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the EU demand a reversal. Israel tightens security around Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.

February 17, 2026

US Sends 100 Soldiers to Nigeria to Train Forces Against Armed Groups

The US has deployed 100 soldiers to northern Nigeria. Their job: to train and advise Nigerian forces battling deadly armed groups like Boko Haram and ISIS-linked factions. They won’t fight directly but will provide vital technical support and intelligence under Nigerian command.