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Indian Air Force grounds entire Tejas fleet after series of incidents

Indian Air Force

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force has temporarily grounded its entire fleet of Tejas light combat aircraft following a series of incidents, including a recent mishap on February 7.

According to Indian media reports, all 35 operational HAL Tejas fighter jets have been withdrawn from flight operations pending a comprehensive technical inspection. The final cause of the latest accident has yet to be determined.

The inspections include analysis of landing gear metal components, examination of the electromagnetic braking system, and a review of onboard software systems.

In the February 7 incident, a single-seat Tejas aircraft was damaged during landing. The pilot sustained injuries but survived. Reports suggest the aircraft’s structure suffered significant damage and may be declared beyond repair.

This marks the third major incident involving the Tejas since its induction into the Indian Air Force in 2016. The first occurred in March 2024 near Jaisalmer during a return from a firepower demonstration, where the pilot ejected safely. The second incident took place in November 2025 during an aerial display at the Dubai Airshow, resulting in the pilot’s death.

Meanwhile, state-owned manufacturer Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) described the February 7 event as a minor technical malfunction rather than a crash. The company stated that a detailed analysis is underway in accordance with standard operating procedures and that it is working closely with the Air Force to resolve the issue promptly.

HAL also maintained that the Tejas ranks among fighter jets with a strong safety record compared to its global counterparts.

Deadly unrest follows killing of mafia leader in Mexico, 25 guard personnel killed

Deadly unrest follows

Mexico City: Widespread violence erupted across Mexico following the reported killing of notorious drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, during a military operation in the western state of Jalisco.

According to authorities, El Mencho was critically wounded in an exchange of fire in Jalisco and later died while being transferred to Mexico City. A reward of $15 million had been offered for his capture, making him one of the most wanted drug traffickers in the world.

Following news of his death, armed groups launched violent reprisals in several parts of the country. Vehicles were set ablaze, highways were blocked, and clashes were reported. In the tourist city of Puerto Vallarta, fires and roadblocks left large plumes of smoke rising over the city.

Foreign media reported that at least 25 members of Mexico’s National Guard were killed in the unrest. Authorities have arrested around 70 suspects across seven states as part of a sweeping security response.

A White House spokesperson confirmed that the United States provided intelligence support during the operation. Former U.S. President Donald Trump has urged Mexico to intensify its crackdown on drug cartels.

Security forces remain on high alert as tensions continue across the country following the high-profile operation.

West Indies crush Zimbabwe by 107 runs in Super 8 World Cup clash

West Indies crush

Mumbai: West Indies dominated Zimbabwe by 107 runs in the Super 8 stage of the ICC T20 World Cup at Wankhede Stadium.

Chasing a daunting target of 255, Zimbabwe were bowled out for 147 in the 18th over. Brad Evans top-scored with 43, followed by Dine Mayers (28) and captain ** Sikandar Raza** (27). Several batsmen, including Ryan Burl, Tashinga Masakikwa, Graeme Cremer, and Blessing Muzarabani, failed to score. Richard Ngarava remained 7 not out.

For West Indies, Gudakesh Moti took 4 wickets, Akeal Hosein 3, while Jason Holder and Matthew Ford picked up 1 each.

Earlier, after Zimbabwe elected to field first, West Indies posted 254/6 in 20 overs. Shamarh Hetmyer led the charge with a blazing 85, Romario Powell added 59, Sherfane Rutherford scored 31, and captain Shai Hope contributed 14. Jason Holder and Brandon King chipped in with 13 and 9, respectively, while Rutherford and Matthew Ford remained not out.

Zimbabwe’s Richard Ngarava and Blessing Muzarabani claimed 2 wickets each, and Graeme Cremer and Brad Evans took 1 wicket apiece.

West Indies’ comprehensive batting and bowling display ensured a comfortable 107-run victory, cementing their dominance in the Super 8 stage.

Pakistani all-rounder Imad Wasim denies ex-wife’s allegations

Pakistani all-rounder

Karachi: Pakistani cricket all-rounder Imad Wasim has broken his silence regarding allegations made by his former wife, Sania Ashfaq, with his legal team terming the claims “baseless and false.”

Imad Wasim’s lawyers have formally issued a legal notice to Sania Ashfaq in response to her accusations.

The cricketer also reposted a video on X featuring advocate Alia Zareen Abbasi, who stated that claims of forced abortion against Imad Wasim are completely unfounded. Abbasi added that all necessary medical records have been collected by Imad Wasim’s legal team.

According to Abbasi, the decision to travel to the United States for the World Cup in November 2023 was made mutually by the couple, and relevant doctors can confirm this. Complete records of tours to the UAE, Australia, and England have also been obtained and will be presented in court.

The advocate further noted that the couple separated in November 2024 due to personal differences, during which Sania Ashfaq was pregnant. Imad Wasim bore all expenses during this period and has continued to take full responsibility for all three children following the birth of his son in July 2025.

Imad Wasim recently married social media influencer Naila Raja, a video of which was shared by his ex-wife on social media, along with serious allegations that he and his legal team have now strongly denied.

Court restores bank accounts of YouTuber “Ducky Bhai”

Court restores

LAHORE:  The Judicial Magistrate of Lahore District Court has ordered the restoration of frozen bank accounts belonging to popular YouTuber Saad Ur Rehman, also known as Ducky Bhai, in a case concerning the promotion of gambling apps. The court also granted him conditional permission to upload videos on his YouTube channel.

The hearing was presided over by Judicial Magistrate Naeem Wattoo, with the accused appearing in court along with his wife Aroob Jatoi and lawyers Barrister Amrit Sheikh and Usman Latif Advocate.

During the proceedings, the court restored Ducky Bhai’s frozen bank accounts and allowed him to continue uploading videos on YouTube, with the stipulation that he must not discuss the pending case on his channel.

The court noted that the National Counter Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA) had objections to 27 videos on his channel, but these videos would not be removed at this stage.

The next hearing was scheduled for March 11, when NCCIA witnesses will be summoned.

Following the court proceedings, Ducky Bhai’s legal team presented him with a shield in celebration of reaching 10 million YouTube subscribers inside the courthouse premises.

Brazilian influencer Bianca Dias dies at 27 following post-surgery complications

Brazilian influencer

São Paulo: Brazilian social media influencer Bianca Dias has tragically passed away at the age of 27 due to medical complications following cosmetic surgery. Her sudden death has left fans and social media users deeply saddened.

According to media reports, Dias was recovering at her home near São Paulo when she experienced severe difficulty in breathing. She was rushed to a hospital as her condition deteriorated, but doctors were unable to save her.

Authorities later confirmed that the cause of death was pulmonary embolism, a condition where a blood clot blocks the lungs.

A close friend of Dias shared on Instagram that she had suffered two seizures during her recovery, and by the time she reached the hospital, her condition was critical.

Details regarding the exact nature of the surgery have not been officially disclosed. However, it is known that Dias passed away just 18 days after the procedure.

Bianca Dias had nearly 60,000 followers on social media and frequently shared content related to lifestyle and modeling. Her last post, shared in December of the previous year, featured a selfie inside a car in São Paulo.

Local authorities have launched an investigation to review the circumstances and medical aspects of her death.

Atiqa Odho highlights the truth about gender and injustice

Atiqa Odho highlights

Karachi: Renowned actress Atiqa Odho spoke out in support of men, urging society to stop generalizing them and treating every man as the same.

In an interview with a private TV channel, Odho emphasized that individuals should be judged by their character, not their gender. She noted that negative behavior is not exclusive to men, and women can also display unfair or harsh attitudes.

“My father and brother are men, and they are exemplary human beings. Assuming all men are the same is a grave mistake,” she said.

Odho acknowledged that women face real issues and injustices, but stressed that this does not justify labeling all men as wrongdoers.

 She also highlighted that oppression and injustice are global problems, not confined to Pakistan, and men should not be collectively blamed.

Speaking firmly, she said: “When people say all men are bad, it personally hurts those who work to protect, respect, and support women—including fathers and brothers.”

She further revealed that she knows many men who have suffered personal trauma, failed marriages, or domestic struggles, yet rarely share their pain with anyone.

Action-comedy “One Battle After Another” dominates BAFTA with six wins

Action-comedy

London: The action-packed, thriller-comedy film “One Battle After Another” emerged as the big winner at the BAFTA Awards, taking home six honors, including Best British Film, Best Cinematography, Best Supporting Actor, and Best Editing.

The film outperformed strong contenders in major categories, surpassing the tearjerker drama “Haiment” and the vampire thriller “Sinners”, which had received a record number of Oscar nominations.

The prestigious awards ceremony was attended by special guests Prince William and Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, celebrating the best of British and international cinema.

Karachi Stocks plunge over 5,400 points amid global and domestic pressures

Karachi Stocks plunge

KARACHI:  The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a sharp decline today, with the KSE-100 Index closing over 5,400 points lower.

The trading week began on a negative note, as the market opened with a downturn and sustained bearish momentum throughout the day.

The KSE-100 Index fell by 633 points to 172,536 in early trading, and continued to drop during the session, reaching 170,980 points—a loss of 1,556 points.

By the close of trading, the downward trend persisted, and the index ended at 167,691, down 5,478 points for the day. The day’s intraday high for the KSE-100 was 174,336 points, while the lowest point recorded was 166,886. Overall, the index experienced a 3.16% decline during the session.

Speaking at a listing ceremony, PSX CEO Farukh Sabzwari said that the decline is influenced by interest rate cuts and international political developments.

He added that the situation at Reko Diq, company earnings reports, and global oil price uncertainties amid the ongoing US-Iran tensions are also affecting market sentiment.

Sabzwari noted that the PSX has fallen from its peak in January and that global and domestic factors continue to shape investor behavior.

Pakistan vows retaliation against cross-border terrorism in Afghanistan

Pakistan vows

ISLAMABAD: In a Senate session, Federal Minister for Parliamentary Affairs Tariq Fazal Chaudhry outlined the government’s position on recent operations in Afghanistan, emphasizing that Pakistan will no longer merely recover bodies but will deliver a decisive response, avenging every martyr’s blood.

Addressing lawmakers, Chaudhry stated that Pakistan targeted multiple locations across three Afghan provinces as a part of a carefully planned operation. He said repeated warnings had been issued to Afghanistan regarding cross-border incursions.

“Afghanistan harbors terrorist hideouts and training camps. They requested PKR 10 billion to push the Taliban across the border, which we are ready to provide—but only with a guarantee that there will be no interference in Pakistan,” he added.

Chaudhry further detailed that attacks in Pakistan’s Tirlai, Bannu, and Bajaur districts trace back to Afghan territory, highlighting that terrorism in Pakistan now has a nationwide reach. “We are not here just to collect bodies. We know how to respond,” he said.

He underscored that Pakistan seeks peace but will never compromise on national security. The recent airstrikes were intelligence-based, targeting terrorist strongholds, resulting in the elimination of approximately 100 terrorists.

These operations targeted seven locations of the proscribed TTP and Fatah-ul-Khawarij in Nangarhar, Paktika, and Khost provinces, marking a decisive retaliatory measure following terrorist attacks on Pakistani soil.