February 19, 2026

Hong Kong welcomes 10% more visitors on Day One of Lunar New Year

Visitor numbers in Hong Kong jumped 10% on the first day of Lunar New Year, with over 120,000 arrivals from mainland China. Crowds crowded border crossings and hiking trails, signaling a strong start to the holiday season.

February 19, 2026

Chhattisgarh Court Acquits 17 in Communal Murder, Victims' Family Left Hopeless

A Chhattisgarh court acquitted all 17 men accused of killing Raheem Ummad Mohammad and his son. The victim's family says the verdict crushed their hope for justice. The BJP-led government handed the case to CBI. The family still struggles with loss and no compensation.

February 19, 2026

US Factory Output Rises 0.6% in January, Biggest Gain in Nearly a Year

US factory production jumped 0.6% in January, the strongest monthly rise since February 2025. The boost brightens prospects for a manufacturing sector hit by tariffs and interest rates.

February 19, 2026

VIT Chennai Students Revive Tent Kottai Cinema Experience at Vibrance 2026 Fest

At VIT Chennai's Vibrance 2026, students recreated a traditional tent kottai screening of Aayirathil Oruvan, giving a glimpse of rural cinema culture. The four-day fest features 30,000 participants and 200 events.

February 19, 2026

Trump Administration Releases Final Funds, Gateway Tunnel Construction to Resume Next Week

The Trump administration released $127 million owed to the Gateway Tunnel project, enabling construction to restart next week. This clears delays in the $16bn rail link between New York and New Jersey damaged since Hurricane Sandy.

February 19, 2026

Maharashtra Scraps 5% Muslim Backward Class Reservation in Education

Maharashtra government has canceled the 5% reservation for Muslim backward classes in education. Former CM Prithviraj Chavan questions the timing just after Ajit Pawar’s death. Opposition calls it a setback for the community’s hopes.

February 19, 2026

Trump Urges UK: 'Do Not Give Away Diego Garcia' Amid Controversy

US President Donald Trump has warned the UK not to hand over Diego Garcia island to Mauritius. He called the UK plan a big mistake and stressed the island's strategic importance for military use.

February 19, 2026

NCB Bengaluru Seizes Cocaine Worth ₹23.88 Crore from Brazilian at Airport

NCB Bengaluru arrested a Brazilian passenger carrying 4.776 kg cocaine valued at ₹23.88 crore. The drugs were hidden in specially modified handbags at Kempegowda Airport.

February 19, 2026

Karnataka RTC Employees Launch Bengaluru Chalo Protest Over Partial Wage Arrears Release

Karnataka RTC employees plan a ‘Bengaluru Chalo’ march and protest on Feb 19, demanding full payment of wage arrears. Government released partial arrears of ₹1,271.92 crore but unions call it inadequate, increasing tension.

February 19, 2026

IMA Postpones Protest, Talks with Kerala Health Minister on Small Hospitals' Issues

The Indian Medical Association has delayed its protest planned against Kerala's Clinical Establishments Act. Health Minister Veena George promised to consider IMA's concerns about small hospitals.