Home Blog Page 880

Pilot duty exemption has major impact on DGCA’s summer plans India News

0

Pilot tariff exemption has major impact on DGCA's summer plans

New Delhi: Aviation authorities have started determining how many domestic and international flights will operate this summer. The DGCA will weigh pilot availability while approving the summer flight plan, which will come into effect from March 29, to avoid a crisis like the one IndiGo faced two months ago.However, determining pilot availability has proven to be a tightrope walk as all major airlines in India have been granted regulatory exemptions from certain provisions of the Flight Deck Crew Flight Duty Time Limit (FDTL) rules. These exemptions will expire at the end of next month. Airlines have sought extensions and the Civil Aviation Administration of China is reviewing their requests.

Pilot tariff exemption has major impact on DGCA's summer plans

The ability of airlines to operate any number of flights will depend on this decision. Removing the FDTL exemption would mean fewer flights during the summer tourist season, higher fares and a public outcry – something the government is keen to avoid. Extending these times raises concerns about crew members overstretching themselves, compromising flight safety.For example, Air India has been opting for longer routes on flights to and from the West due to geopolitical reasons. According to regulations, flights lasting more than 10 hours require three pilots. Since all flights between northern India (Delhi is AI’s main hub) and the west are affected by the closure of Pakistani airspace, they are exempted if they are manned by two pilots on flights of up to 10.5 hours. “Due to tight infrastructure, IndiGo and Akasa mostly get night time slots in busy hubs in India. They have sought exemptions for pilots from night use, otherwise the number of flights would not increase to cope with rising passenger traffic but would fall. “A person familiar with the matter said. Pilots say the current situation arises mainly because airlines almost always seek exemptions from the Civil Aviation Administration. A senior captain said: “In order to control wages, airlines are moving slowly in pilot recruitment and pilot career development… Tired and inhumane lists have become a reality until everyone is forced to wake up.” IndiGo and AI recently resumed recruitment at the trainee first officer level after nearly 1.5 years.

‘El Mencho is alive…’: Bombshell allegations emerge after Mexican cartel operation; critics demand evidence

0

Mexican and U.S. authorities announced Sunday that troops had killed Nemesio Ruben Oseguera CervantesAlso known as El Mencho, the leader of the new generation drug cartel in Jalisco. The 59-year-old man was wounded during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, and died en route to Mexico City, the statement said. Three other people died at the scene and at least three drug gang members were injured. Two people were arrested and armored vehicles, rocket launchers and other weapons were seized. The Ministry of Defense noted that three members of the armed forces were injured and are receiving medical treatment.

This screenshot from a Mexican television station shows an image of Nemesio Oeguera Cervantes, aka "el mancho" (AFP)
Screenshot from Mexican television showing Nemesio Oeguera Cervantes, aka “El Mencho” (AFP)

follow: Mexico News Live Updates: Drug lord El Mencho killed; flights to Puerto Vallarta

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico wrote on social media that the operation was conducted by Mexican special forces “within the framework of bilateral cooperation, with additional intelligence provided by U.S. authorities.”

“El Mancho is alive”

However, some critics have refuted these claims, claiming that El Mencho may “still be alive.”

One local wrote on the platform

“El Mencho is alive, no reliable sources have confirmed his death at this time. The airport panic video is an old video (circa 2022-2023 incident) that has been repurposed with new subtitles. Classic fear bait. Stay skeptical,” another user tweeted.

HT.com has not been able to verify the authenticity of these claims. Neither Mexican nor U.S. officials commented on the development.

Read more: El Mencho Killed: 5 Things You Need to Know About Mexican Drug Lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes

chaos in mexico

Meanwhile, news of El Mencho’s killing sparked violence across Mexico, particularly in Puerto Vallarta, Tapalpa and Guadalajara. Video from the airport showed chaos. Jalisco state closed schools on Monday.

Videos circulating on social media showed thick smoke billowing over the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta and panicked people rushing through the state capital’s airport.

On Sunday afternoon, Air Canada announced it would suspend flights to Puerto Vallarta “due to the ongoing security situation” and advised passengers not to travel to the airport.

In the state capital Guadalajara, burning vehicles blocked roads. Mexico’s second-largest city plans to host matches during this summer’s Football World Cup.

U.S. State Department issues advisory

The U.S. State Department warns citizens of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo Leon to stay in safe places due to ongoing security operations. The Canadian embassy in Mexico warned its citizens in Puerto Vallarta to shelter in place and keep a low profile in Jalisco state.

Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus asked residents to stay home and suspended public transportation.

Read more: ‘Shelters in place immediately’: U.S. embassy in Mexico issues emergency security alert after El Mencho killing

Claudia Sheinbaum releases a statement

In a post on X, Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum praised Mexican security forces and called for calm.

“The Secretariat of the Ministry of National Defense reported on the operations carried out by federal forces this morning, which resulted in various blockades and other reactions. There is absolute coordination with the state governments; we must remain informed and calm. The social media accounts of the Security Cabinet provide permanent updates. In the vast majority of the country’s territory, activities are completely normal. I acknowledge the Mexican Army, the National Guard, the Armed Forces and the Security Cabinet. We work every day for peace, security, justice and well-being in Mexico,” she said.

(With AP input)

$12.8M jackpot in limbo after Arizona store worker bought winning ticket — court to decide who gets the prize

0

$12.8M jackpot in limbo after Arizona store worker bought winning ticket — court to decide who gets the prize

An Arizona convenience store employee is in legal trouble after purchasing a $12.8 million lottery ticket from the store where he worked. A judge will now decide who should receive the prize, as both the store and the worker claim it.A court complaint says the incident began on the evening of Nov. 24, 2025, at Circle K in Scottsdale. According to 12News , a customer asked for a replay of the numbers from that night’s “The Pick” drawing. The employee on duty, Robert Gawlitza, printed $85 worth of tickets, but the customer only paid $60, leaving 25 tickets on the counter.The complaint alleges that unsold tickets were left at the store overnight and were found intact the next morning. After learning that the lottery ticket had been sold at his store, Goliza reportedly checked the discarded lottery tickets and found the winning ticket. The winning numbers are 3, 13, 14, 15, 19, and 26.The complaint alleges that Gawlitza took off his Circle K uniform after get off work and purchased tickets, including the winning ticket, from another employee for $10.Store management was alerted and the ticket was taken to Circle K’s corporate offices, where it is currently being stored pending a court ruling on ownership.Circle K itself has not claimed the ticket but has asked the court to determine whether it or Gawlitza is the rightful owner. In its filing, the company cited a provision of Arizona administrative law that gives retailers the right to obtain unpaid and unsold lottery tickets from customers.An Arizona Lottery spokesman said it was aware of no such disputes involving the state lottery before.The $12.8 million jackpot is the fourth-largest “The Pick” jackpot ever in Arizona and the largest since 2019. Customers who purchased the original ticket have until May 23, 180 days after the drawing, to claim their prize. Arizona retailers receive a 6.5% commission on ticket sales and receive an additional $10,000 when top prize sales exceed $1 million.

Revised CAFE-3 draft tightens norms, may hit small carmakers India News

0

Revised CAFE-3 draft tightens norms, could hit small carmakers

NEW DELHI: Small carmakers may face greater regulatory challenges if the draft amendments to CAFE-3, which proposes to improve vehicle fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, are implemented. People involved in the deliberations said the latest proposed changes would support larger vehicles, particularly electric and hybrid electric vehicles.With the Corporate Average Fuel Efficiency (CAFE) issue still unresolved amid a tussle among carmakers, the Prime Minister’s Office has intervened in the matter and persuaded the Ministry of Petroleum and Heavy Industries and the Ministry of Road Transport and Power to finalize the norms. This is the third draft of CAFE-3 in the past two years.CAFE refers to government-regulated standards that set minimum average fuel efficiency and maximum carbon dioxide emission levels for the entire fleet sold by automakers. Rather than examining individual models, it measures a weighted average of all cars produced by the manufacturer.

Screenshot 2026-02-23 020552

..

Under the latest draft of CAFE-3, which is yet to be released, the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) proposes to remove derogations (additional subsidies) or exemptions for small car manufacturers. It has launched range-extended electric vehicles (REEVs) with the same volume derogation factor (VDF) of 3 as electric vehicles. The VDF is a targeted government measure aimed at boosting sales of less polluting vehicles such as electric vehicles, REEVs and hybrids.People familiar with the latest changes said the removal of the small car derogation is expected to increase the price of entry-level gasoline cars. They added that the introduction of REEVs was driven by the current low penetration of EV charging infrastructure, buyer anxiety over range and uncertainty over battery life.There is debate over whether REEVs are treated the same as electric vehicles because, unlike electric vehicles, these vehicles produce tailpipe emissions when their engines are running.People familiar with the proposed policy said the gap in people switching from two-wheelers to cars is likely to widen as carmakers will no longer produce small cars that meet CAFE-related regulatory norms.Industry executives say the cost of new cars under the proposed CAFE-3 regime will increase by about 10% under the draft standards, as automakers must add more fuel-saving technology to meet the new standards or face penalties.

El Mencho Killed Today: How CJNG Leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Actually Died; Detailed Account of Operation Jalisco

0

el mencho or Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantesleader of the feared Jalisco New Generation drug cartel (CICC) was killed in a military attack on Sunday. El Mencho was seriously injured in a shootout in the western state of Jalisco and died en route to Mexico, according to the Mexican Defense Ministry. mexico city.

Soldiers inspected a motorcyclist after Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera burned his vehicle to block a road during a federal operation, government sources said. "el mencho," Killed in Zapopan, Mexico. (Reuters)
Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, popularly known as “El Mencho,” was killed in Zapopan, Mexico, and soldiers checked on motorcyclists after organized crime burned vehicles to block a road, government sources said. (Reuters)

El Mencho’s death was followed by a wave of violence in several states, with cars set on fire and gunmen blocking highways. Details of an operation in Jalisco state that claimed the life of a feared drug cartel leader have emerged amid ongoing tensions.

Operation El Mencho: A detailed account

Mexico’s Defense Department released a post detailing how the operation failed amid the wave of unrest triggered by El Mencho’s death.

Mexican Army Special Forces were involved in the operation, acting on intelligence from the National Intelligence Center and the Attorney General’s Office (FEMDO). During the operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, multiple Air Force and National Guard immediate response special forces aircraft intervened to help detain El Mencho.

Military personnel were reportedly attacked during the operation and retaliated, resulting in the death of four CJNG members on the spot. Three people were seriously injured and killed during the transfer to Mexico City, authorities said. While one of the people who died during transport was identified as El Mencho, the latest news indicates that authorities will work to formally identify the victims.

ALSO READ | El Mencho killed: Who will lead the CJNG after the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes? Leadership structure explained

In addition, two members of the group were detained and various weapons and armored vehicles were allegedly seized. According to official updates, these include rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.

Three law enforcement officers were also injured during the operation. According to the latest news, they were transferred to a medical facility in Mexico City for medical care. The post noted that the United States helped provide intelligence that aided the operation. “It should be noted that for the execution of this operation, in addition to central military intelligence work, additional information was provided by the US authorities within the framework of bilateral coordination and cooperation with the United States,” it said.

The post also noted that National Guard and Army personnel from states surrounding Jalisco are focused on securing the area.

The military operation against Oseguera comes after Donald Trump’s administration put pressure on Mexican President Claudia Scheinbaum’s government to step up its crackdown on drug trafficking, including threats of direct U.S. intervention in Mexico.

(With information from Reuters)

Police bust Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked module, foil plot to attack Delhi; 7 of 8 arrested had Aadhaar ID cards | India News

0

Police bust Lashkar-e-Taiba-linked module, foil plot to attack Delhi; 7 of 8 arrested had Aadhaar ID cards

New Delhi: Amid multi-state counter-terrorism operations, delhi police The special team busted a terror module consisting of militants affiliated to a terror outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba (let). Eight suspects have been arrested, seven of whom are Bangladeshi nationals holding Indian Aadhaar cards.a major terrorist attack Arrests were avoided. A temple in Chandni Chowk was among the targets and its image was found in the suspect’s device. A car bomb blast was reported in November last year near the temple near the Red Fort.The operation began after a series of provocative posters were put up in metro stations. The Delhi poster incident was revealed to be an elaborate act of psychological warfare and a test of the module’s mobility. On February 8, CISF lodged a police complaint alleging that unidentified people put up pro-Pakistan and pro-terrorist posters at Janpath and other metro stations, a major security breach ahead of the AI ​​Summit.The posters eulogized slain terrorist Burhan Wani and featured slogans such as “India Stop Genocide, Liberate Kashmir”, while others contained Urdu slogans that when translated read “Hum Pakistan Hain, Pakistan Hamara Hai” (We are Pakistanis, Pakistan is ours) and celebrated “Kashmir Solidarity Day”. A case has been registered and the investigation has been forwarded to the special team. A team consisting of ACP Lalit Mohan Negi, Inspector Sunil Rajain and Dheeraj was formed to trace the digital and physical traces left by the perpetrators. The preliminary investigation was conducted by the team of DCP Kushal Pal Singh of the Metropolitan Police.Technical analysis of movement data and traffic patterns led to the suspect being located in Kolkata. On February 15, the special team discovered a hideout in the Majherpara area of ​​Hatiyaragot in Kolkata. In a swift raid, the first two suspects were arrested: Umar Faruk, 31, a resident of Aswintola in Malda, West Bengal, and Robiul Islam, 31, a Bangladeshi national from Thakur Gaon district.During interrogation, Farook revealed a chilling timeline of activism and intentions, in addition to the location of his aides.On February 21, a simultaneous raid was launched in Tirupur, Tamil Nadu, and six suspects were arrested. The arrested were Mohammad Mizanur Rehman, 32, from Bogura district, Mohammad Sefayat Hussain, 34, from Jalakati district, Mohammad Zahidul Islam, 40, from Bogura, Mohammad Liton, 40, from Bogura, Mohammad Uzair, 27, from Bogura and Omar, 32, from Bogura. Police seized 10 mobile phones loaded with radical content, 25 credit and debit cards, 5 POS machines, and original Bangladeshi passports and ID cards that the suspects had tried to discard or hide.

India and Bangladesh: Want relationship to be people-centred

0

India and Bangladesh: Want relationship to be people-centred

Dhaka: India on Sunday told the new government of Bangladesh that it hopes to strengthen people-centered cooperation in various fields in a positive, constructive and forward-looking manner on the basis of mutual benefit and win-win results.The two sides agreed to maintain regular contacts to further strengthen bilateral relations – which reached their lowest point during the 18-month tenure of the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma conveyed Delhi’s message to External Affairs Minister Khalil Rehman and External Affairs Minister Shama Obaid. Speaking to reporters, Verma said they look forward to forward-looking cooperation with Bangladesh.

American tourist caught at Guadalajara airport? Mexican embassy responds after El Mencho killing

0

As reports of a shooting at Guadalajara International Airport emerged on Sunday, the Mexican Embassy in Washington issued an emergency fact check. Hours earlier, officials confirmed that the military had wounded Nemesio Oseguera, 59, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation drug cartel. He died en route to Mexico City. El Mencho’s death sparked widespread violence across Mexico, with horrific videos emerging from Guadalajara, Puerto Vallarta and Tapalpa.

Firefighters work to extinguish the flames of a car in Guadalajara, Mexico (Reuters)
Firefighters work to extinguish the flames of a car in Guadalajara, Mexico (Reuters)

The military said the raid was carried out following “additional information” provided by U.S. authorities. In addition to Oseguera, six cartel suspects were killed and three soldiers were wounded. Two cartel suspects were arrested and a variety of weapons seized, including rocket launchers capable of shooting down aircraft and destroying armored vehicles.

US Deputy Secretary of State Christopher Landau welcomed the operation and called Oseguera “one of the bloodiest and most ruthless drug lords”.

“This is a great development for Mexico, the United States, Latin America and the world. The good guys are stronger than the bad guys,” he added.

“American Hostages at Guadalajara Airport”

Meanwhile, conservative commentator Laura Loomer posted a video on social media claiming Americans were attacked at Guadalajara airport.

“After the United States today eliminated one of the top leaders of a Mexican drug cartel, the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) retaliated by sending armed gunmen to attack the Guadalajara airport. They are now holding American tourists hostage on nearby highways and hotels,” she said on the X (formerly Twitter) platform.

The Mexican Embassy responded quickly.

“This article is false. The military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, aimed at capturing Ruben “N” (alias “Mencho”), was planned and executed by Mexican special forces. The operation was carried out within the framework of bilateral cooperation, with supplementary intelligence provided by the US authorities. The Mexican National Guard and Army units are currently strengthening security in Jalisco and neighboring countries to maintain order,” it noted.

Loomer responded by saying the embassy was attacking her. “This is actually not fake news! There are numerous local reports of drug cartels threatening to attack hotels if their demands are not met by 5pm. They have also attacked airports. How about you show more gratitude to US Special Forces… You act like Mexico would do this without US support. Come on. Everyone knows the cartels run @Claudiashein! Mexico is a failed state. Mexicans should kiss President Trump’s ass! Who runs this account???”

Davos deal report coming soon, House to pass 15 bills: CM | India News

0

Davos deal report coming soon, House to pass 15 bills: CM

Mumbai: CM Devendra Fadnavis The state government will submit a detailed report on the Rs 3,000-crore MoU, it said on Sunday. world economic forum Last month’s meeting in Davos and past trading conditions. Earlier in the day, the opposition called for a white paper on such agreements in the past.After the opposition parties again boycotted the traditional tea party on the eve of the budget session, Fadnavis told reporters at the state guesthouse Sayadri that 13 bills would be introduced during the month-long session. He said two bills from the previous session were pending and all would be passed. “We will allow sufficient time for discussion,” he said. He said the death of deputy minister Ajit Pawar meant it was his responsibility to present the budget. The opposition addressed the media separately and also cited the plane crash to question the government. “The government has given only two explanations that no one should raise questions about the accident. Why not? Was it a conspiracy or an accident? This issue is being discussed across the country,” said Congress MP Vijay Wadettiwar. The CM pointed out the absence of the NCP (SP) from the opposition press conference, a six-page letter from the opposition signed by a former MLA organized by Sharad Pawar and numerous grammatical errors in the letter highlighting 18 issues. Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav later said the NCP (SP) netas were late due to miscommunication. “But we are all united as MVA,” he asserted. While Sena (UBT) MP Aaditya Thackeray pointed to the vacancy in the posts of Leader of Opposition in both Houses and asked why the Mahayutth government was “scared” of the post when it has an absolute majority, Fadnavis said the decisions would be taken by the Speaker of the Assembly and the Chairman of the Legislative Council. Congress MLC Satej Patil demanded the resignation of FDA Minister Narhari Zirwal from the NCP in connection with the bribery case involving a staff member of his Mantrayala office. The chief minister said his name did not come up in the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) probe. Acknowledging that the incident had affected the government’s image, Fadnavis said: “We have a zero-tolerance approach to corruption, which is why you see so many cases of action. I have given clear instructions to the ACB that action must be taken if any such corruption is found in his office. ” Thackeray also took a dig at Mahayutty, saying there was growing competition among ministers, possibly referring to Fadnavis and deputy Eknath Shinde, who are “underlings” in the government. He also criticized the government for providing only Rs 5 lakh compensation to the family members of the victims of the Mulund Metro concrete railing accident. Wadetiwar said the new India-US trade deal “will crush farmers” and pointed to the ongoing farmer suicide crisis in Maharashtra. Shinde urged the opposition to attend the budget session and not sit on the steps of the National Assembly to oppose the government. “The government will address all the issues raised by the opposition in the House,” he said.

UK MPs seek treason investigation into Prince Andrew over Epstein ties, government considers disqualification from royal heir apparent

0

UK MPs seek treason investigation into Prince Andrew over Epstein ties, government considers disqualification from royal heir apparent

The British government says it is considering removing Prince Andrew from the royal line of succession after a senior Conservative MP called for a possible treason investigation into Prince Andrew following his arrest over alleged links to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.Former security minister Tom Tugendhat urged parliament to set up a special committee of MPs, civilians and retired judges to review Andrew’s ties to Epstein and assess whether national security may have been compromised.“This incident raises urgent questions about foreign influence and national security,” Tugendhat said, adding that if serious misconduct was proven, Parliament would have to determine whether existing treason laws were sufficient.Andrew, 66, was arrested last week on suspicion of misconduct in public office and was questioned by police for hours over accusations he shared sensitive information with Epstein while he was Britain’s trade envoy. Police are continuing to search his former home, Royal Villas in Windsor Great Park, as part of the ongoing investigation. He denies any wrongdoing.The controversy has also drawn attention to former British ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson, who is accused of leaking confidential government documents to Epstein between 2009 and 2010. Mandelson has denied the allegations and has not been arrested, but he is reportedly under investigation for potential misconduct in public office.Education Secretary Bridget Philipson said the government “would not rule out” further action, including a judge-led inquiry, but stressed authorities must allow police to complete their investigation.The government has also left open the option of legislating Andrew out of the royal line of succession, a move that would require parliamentary approval and the formal consent of King Charles III.Although Andrew has stepped down from royal duties, he remains eighth in line to the throne. King Charles said in a statement after his brother’s arrest that “the law must take its course” and pledged to cooperate fully with investigators.The escalating crisis has prompted cross-party calls for accountability, with lawmakers warning the outcome could have significant consequences for public trust in British institutions and the future of the monarchy.