February 16, 2026

Karnataka Delays Rohith Vemula Bill to Protect SC/ST Students Amid UGC Rules Stay

Karnataka Congress-led government has delayed the Rohith Vemula Bill 2025 for SC/ST student protection in higher education. The delay follows debates on including OBCs and minorities. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court has stayed UGC equity rules, stirring protests. Activists demand quick law implementation to stop caste discrimination on campuses.

February 16, 2026

UAE's du Joins Singapore-India-Gulf Submarine Cable to Boost Asia-Middle East Connectivity

Telecom giant du partners to invest in SING submarine cable linking UAE with India and Southeast Asia. This move strengthens UAE's data hub role, offering faster, reliable digital connections for cloud, AI, and global services.

February 16, 2026

Bengaluru Residents Protest Organic Waste Converter Near Homes, Demand Halt from Pollution Board

Residents of Godrej Eternity in Bengaluru have opposed an Organic Waste Converter built close to homes. They want the Pollution Control Board to stop the project over health and safety worries.

February 16, 2026

China opens visa-free entry to UK and Canada; Key US-China talks at Munich Security Conference

China now allows UK and Canadian citizens to enter without visas. Amid rising tensions, Rubio and Wang Yi discuss US-China rivalry at Munich. Plus, Star Cruises plans comeback after canceled trip anger.

February 16, 2026

Two Women Militants Arrested in Manipur for Extortion

Security forces caught two women militants from banned groups in Manipur. They are linked to extortion cases and were arrested in Imphal districts.

February 16, 2026

Rupee Falls to 90.67 vs Dollar as FII Outflows and Oil Price Rise Hit Markets

The Indian rupee slipped 1 paisa to 90.67 against the US dollar on Monday. FII outflows, higher crude oil prices, and declining forex reserves weighed on the local currency. Markets also eye upcoming trade data amid cautious trading.

February 16, 2026

Israel Restarts West Bank Land Registration, Sparking Fears of Palestinian Land Loss

Israel has resumed land registration in the West Bank for the first time since 1967. Rights groups warn this could intensify Palestinian land dispossession and support Israeli settlement expansion amid annexation claims.

February 16, 2026

ACCC Takes Coles to Court Over 'Misleading' Price Discounts on 245 Products

The ACCC has accused Coles of misleading customers by hiding price increases behind fake discounts in its 'Down Down' sales. The case, heard in Melbourne, covers pricing from Feb 2022 to May 2023 and highlights supermarket discount tricks.

February 16, 2026

Spot Gold Dips 0.4% After Previous Rally, US Gold Futures Ease

Spot gold prices fell 0.4% to $5,020.10 per ounce early Tuesday, losing momentum after a strong 2.5% gain in the prior session. US April gold futures also eased by 0.1% to $5,039.50 per ounce as markets remain watchful.

February 16, 2026

Volatility Ahead for Hong Kong MPF Members After Record Year of the Snake Gains

After a record-breaking Year of the Snake with US$32 billion earnings, Hong Kong's 4.8 million MPF members face uncertain investment returns in the Year of the Horse, say analysts.