UK unemployment hits 5.2%, highest in five years, due to slow wage growth and economic uncertainty.

Taylor Swift named world’s top artist in 2025 by IFPI for the sixth time, driven by album sales and global fan engagement.

Accenture links promotions to weekly AI tool use, part of its push to become AI-first despite criticism and exemptions.

Oxfordshire Council uses drones in Kidlington to fight illegal dumping after community complaints.

Five European nations launched LEAP in Feb 2026 to develop affordable, autonomous air defenses against drone swarms, aiming for operational systems by 2027.

U.S. envoy demands Belgium halt probe into religious circumcisions, calling it antisemitic.

Modi met with leaders from Serbia, Croatia, and Finland at the AI Summit, advancing AI, clean energy, and trade ties, including the India-EU FTA.

Peace talks between Russia and Ukraine ended without agreement on Feb. 18, 2026, with no progress on key issues.

Team USA won Olympic women’s hockey gold in 2026, beating Canada 2-1 in overtime with Megan Keller’s goal, as Hilary Knight set a record and retired.

Iran and U.S. agree on nuclear talk principles, aiming for deal with sanctions relief and limits, but no timeline set.