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Soccer-Four matches are postponed following violence sparked by the death of a Mexican cartel leader
Violence flared up near Guadalajara - one of Mexico's host cities for the 2026 World Cup - after a military operation that killed cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera on Sunday. Oseguera (60), the mastermind behind the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel, died in custody following an injury sustained in a special force operation in Jalisco, a state on Mexico's Pacific Coast. Mexican league announced on social media that two games scheduled for Sunday, Queretaro against FC Juarez (men's?) and Chivas against America (women's) league, have been postponed. Local media also reported that two second division matches scheduled to be played on Sunday were cancelled. The match between Queretaro and?Necaxa in?Aguascalientes on Sunday was called off after the players left the field when they heard loud noises coming from outside Estadio Victoria. Media reports described these sounds as gunshots. Necaxa won 2-1 in the re-match. Mexico's national team will face Iceland in an amiable match on Wednesday at the Corregidora Stadium in Queretaro. The Mexican Open Men's Tennis Tournament in Acapulco will begin as scheduled on Monday, according to established security protocols. Merida's women's tennis event is also set to begin on Monday. After hearing of El Mencho’s death, suspected members of the cartel blocked highways in burning cars and torched business in more than a half dozen states. No civilian deaths were reported. Social media users in Jalisco's popular beach town of Puerto Vallarta reported plumes of dark smoke rising from the bay. Air Canada, United Airlines Aeromexico, and American Airlines have suspended flights to the area. (Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena; Additional reporting by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
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British citizen among 19 dead in Nepal bus crash
Police said that a passenger 'bus' fell from a sloping road in West Nepal just before dawn on?Monday morning, killing 19 people, including a British citizen. They said that only nine of the dead had been identified to date, and added that the bus was carrying 44 people. Police said that a New Zealander, as well as a Chinese, were among the 25 people injured when the bus, which was headed to Kathmandu from Pokhara, the tourist town, fell 200 meters (650 feet) off the road in Dhading District, 80 kilometers (50 miles), west of Kathmandu. It said that the 'injured' are being treated in hospitals in Kathmandu. In Nepal's mountainous regions, road conditions are often poor. ?Hundreds die ?in road crashes in Nepal annually. (Reporting and editing by YPrajesh; Gopal Sharma)
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Wall Street Journal, February 23,
These are the top stories from the Wall Street Journal. The?Wall Street Journal has not?verified? these stories, and does not vouch? for their accuracy. Ed Garden, an investor, has acquired a stake in Fortune Brands Innovations, a building products supplier. He is now looking to replace the incoming CEO. Winter storms in the Northeast and mid-Atlantic have caused more than 8,000 flights to be canceled on Sunday and Monday. Most of these were routes into or out from Boston and New York. A military raid in Mexico on Sunday resulted in the death of a notorious drug lord, "El Mencho" or 'Nemesio' Oseguera. Airlines such as United Airlines and Air Canada halted flights to Mexico's Puerto Vallarta. Dassault Systemes announced that Chief Executive Pascal Daloz will replace co-founder Bernard Charles in the role of executive chairman. (Compiled by Bengaluru Newsroom)
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Two people were killed and three injured in the Russian attack on Odesa, Ukraine
Ukraine's emergency service and a government official confirmed that a Russian attack on Ukraine's southern Odesa area overnight killed two people and injured three, respectively. Two people were killed when a Russian Drone fell on a truck-stop, causing an fire, according to the Telegram messenger. Oleksiy Kuleba, Infrastructure Minister Oleksiy Kuleba, said on 'Telegram' that Russia has attacked the port infrastructure in Odesa?region. "This is another blow to port infrastructure and civilian logistics." Kuleba said that Russia is attacking non-military facilities to undermine the economy of the area and the country as a whole. He claimed that the storage area for freight transport was damaged. Since the beginning of Russia's full scale invasion in 2022, the Odesa region, home to a major shipping hub, with terminals at the Black Sea ports Odesa and Chornomorsk as well as Pivdennyi, has been "targeted". Russia Sharply Increased The intensity of its attacks on Black Sea ports by late 2025, when?President Vladimir Putin threatens to "cut Ukraine from the sea". Sources in the transport industry who requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the subject said last week that the strikes at the Odesa port?in the past few months had reduced the export capacity up to 30 percent from its pre-war levels. (Reporting and editing by Sonali & Gareth Jones.
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Mexican drug lord's murder sparks revenge attacks. Cars and businesses are set on fire, highways are blocked.
Gunmen believed to be El Mencho's supporters, who were suspected of blocking highways and setting cars and businesses on fire, blocked several states within hours of the military raid that killed Mexican drug lord Nemesio seguera. Truckers and tourists were warned to return to their depots or take safe routes until the violence abated. On Sunday, several airlines, including Air Canada United Airlines and Aeromexico cancelled flights to Puerto Vallarta. The beachside resort was the scene of awe-inspiring footage taken by tourists who watched smoke plumes rising in the air from fires. Mexicans have seen the violence erupt across more than a half dozen states for two decades. They've watched successive governments wage war against drug cartels and ravage large swaths in their country. A member of Oseguera’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel said that the fires and gunfire were done in revenge for Oseguera’s death by the government. He warned of more bloodshed if other groups try to seize control of the cartel. The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said that the attacks were in retaliation for the death of the leader, and at first, against the government, as well as out of discontent. The groups that are moving in to take control will kill the people. A video posted on social media showed that beachgoers in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, were stunned when they saw thick clouds of smoke covering the blue ocean. Daniel Drolet is a Canadian resident who has wintered in Puerto Vallarta since years. He said that in a telephone interview, he was worried about a new era in violence settling in the usually peaceful resort area. "I've never seen anything quite like this," he said. Authorities in Jalisco reported gunmen attacking a military police base of the National Guard. They advised guests to stay inside their hotels and suspended public transportation. Videos shared by sources in government security captured other scenes of criminal activities and military responses. A green tank was seen driving through a residential area in Aguascalientes. The heavily traveled Mexico-Puebla Highway was paralyzed by roadblocks. In Colima state, cartel members in pickup trucks blocked the road. In a press release, a trucking industry association said it was "profoundly concerned" about the violence on highways and advised truckers to stay in safe areas or to return to their 'operating yards' until conditions improve. Guanajuato state, a CJNG-stronghold, reported 55 incidents in 23 municipalities with 18 arrests. However, by evening, all incidents had been brought under control. Carlo Gutierrez lives in Guadalajara (the capital of Jalisco) and said that his friends were encouraging people on WhatsApp groups to stay at home. He said that there was a great deal of fear and caution in the city. It is one of three major venues in Mexico for World Cup soccer games this summer. VIOLENCE IN WAKE? The authorities have not reported any casualties other than the cartel members and officials who were killed in the military operation. Prior cartel arrests, killings and violence have led to violence. Whether it is members seeking revenge for their dead leader or rival gangs invading their territory, the Mexican authorities hesitated before launching major campaigns. Ovidio Guzman was arrested in 2019 but released quickly, sparking a series of gun battles. In 2023, his arrest sparked more violence. The arrest in 2024 of Sinaloa Cartel leader Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada ignited a bloody struggle for power within the criminal group. This fight continues to this day. In a social media post, Christopher Landau, former?ambassador of Mexico and U.S. deputy secretary of state, said: "I am watching the scenes of violence in Mexico with great sorrow and concern." It's not surprising to see that the terrorists are responding in terror. "We must not lose our nerve." In a post on social media, Mexico's president Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the violence but maintained a calm tone. She said that "in most of the territory, activities are taking place with complete normalcy." Reporting by Leila Miller in Buenos Aires and Emily Green, Lizbeth Diaz and Michael Perry from Mexico City. Editing by Daina-Beth Solomon and Michael Perry.
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Most households in Ukraine’s Russia-controlled Zaporizhzhia Region have power restored
The emergency crews restored power to most areas?affected?by the cuts?after a major Ukrainian assault on energy infrastructure?, said the Russia-installed Governor of the part of Zaporizhzhia?region controlled?by Moscow. Yevgeny Balatsky wrote on Telegram that power had been restored to all households except for 12,000 in a single district. He said that emergency crews were working to complete the task. Balitsky said earlier that two power outages occurred in the area in southeast Ukraine. Workers have already restored power in 50% of the region, and generators are supporting critical infrastructure. According to Leonid Pasechnik the?leader of Russia-controlled Luhansk, in Ukraine's north, a fuel reservoir caught fire after a Ukrainian drone attacked an oil depot. Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Ron Popeski, David Gregorio and Guy Faulconbridge
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El Mencho, the Mexican cartel leader killed by military raid
Mexican officials announced on Sunday that Mexican drug lord Nemesio seguera (commonly known as "El Mencho") was killed in a raid by the military. The?government of Mexico has increased pressure on cartels following?U.S. ?intervention threats. Mexico's Defense Ministry said Oseguera was seriously injured in a shooting incident that occurred in Jalisco, a western state. He died on the flight to Mexico City. The ministry stated that U.S. officials had provided "complementary" information. The operation sparked a wave violence with cars torched and gunmen blocking roads in more than a half dozen states. Oseguera, an ex-policeman, was the mysterious leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a group named after the western state which is home to Guadalajara, one of Mexico's largest cities. In a short time, the CJNG has evolved into a criminal enterprise that rivals former allies, such as the Sinaloa Cartel gang, led by captured kingpin Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and now held in an American prison. The U.S. threatened to intervene directly on Mexican soil, and a campaign of pressure was launched by the Trump administration to increase the crackdown against drug trafficking. A government source said that the Defense Ministry led the arrest operation, which ended in his death. Christopher Landau, the U.S. deputy secretary of state, said that the killing of Oseguera was a "great event" for both the U.S. The killing of the kingpin is a major win for Mexico in its war against drug cartels responsible for smuggling millions of dollars worth cocaine and fentanyl to the U.S. The killing is expected to spark a new wave of violence in Mexico. Vanda Felbab Brown, a specialist in international organized crime, said that "a tremendous amount of violence will happen." She compared Oseguera with other drug figures who have been taken down in the past few years: Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada and Guzman, both from the rival Sinaloa cartel. El Mencho, the biggest prize in many years, has been El Mencho, apart from the Sinaloa cartel leaders. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged citizens to remain at home 'until this situation is brought under control. The U.S. embassy also advised their citizens to shelter-in-place. Social media videos showed Jalisco roads with cars on fire, spewing dark smoke in the air. Mexican media reported gunmen and burning cars blocking highways across more than a half dozen states, particularly in the north and the west. Air Canada announced on Sunday that it had temporarily suspended its operations in Jalisco’s Puerto Vallarta, located on the Pacific coast. This popular beach resort is popular with Canadians and Americans. United Airlines and American Airlines have announced that they will no longer be operating flights to Puerto Vallarta or Guadalajara. In an email to customers, United Airlines announced that all flights from PVR were cancelled. American Airlines said in a separate press release that it has?cancelled flights from and to PVR and GDL until the end of Sunday, February 22. Reporting by Emily Green and Lizbeth Diaz; Writing by Daina-Beth Solomon; Editing and proofreading by Christian Plumb. Additional reporting and editing by Andrea Shalal, Jasper Ward, Gnaneshwarrajan, and Disha Mishra, in Bengaluru.
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Sources say DAE Capital is close to a deal with Macquarie Airfinance to purchase aircraft leasing company.
Two industry sources have confirmed that DAE Capital, a Dubai-based aircraft lessor, is "closing" in on a deal to buy Macquarie AirFinance's leasing platform. Two firms declined to comment on a request. DAE, along with Saudi Arabia's AviLease and Qatar’s Lesha Bank, was reported to be a final contender for the Macquarie aircraft lease?assets in?January. The sale of aircraft follows a round of competitive bidding, as the demand for planes soars. Commercial planesmakers Boeing & Airbus are unable to meet demand. This has created a 'great opportunity for lessors who can sell their aircraft at premium multiples. In 2017, ?Dubai Aerospace Enterprise (DAE) Buy Tickets Dublin-based AWAS is the world's tenth largest aircraft lessor. Reporting by?Allison Lampert and Tim Hepher, in Montreal and Paris respectively; editing by Edmund Klamann & Chizu Nomiyama)
China's senior tourists could be a silver lining for travel companies
Travel companies are betting that Chinese tourist could return to its prepandemic boom days if they modify tours to avoid high hikes, include nurses and healthcare professionals to their staff and deal discounts for the seniors they're targeting.
As China's population quickly ages, and many in the middle-class face task unpredictability and a slowing economy, so-called silver tourist is on the increase, with more retirees, specifically in upscale seaside cities, venturing out in your home and abroad.
A number of these seniors have accumulated considerable cost savings during 4 decades of eye-watering financial development, and they are more youthful than other taking a trip retirees as they leave the labor force as soon as 50 for ladies and 60 for guys. Lots of have no grandchildren, so they have more spare time.
Now companies inside and beyond China, and regional travel authorities, are beginning to tailor their services to the requirements particular to this growing friend.
We are beginning to see an increasing segment of elder Chinese customers who are not only affluent however, more notably, ready to spend on quality lifestyle pursuits and individual development, said Wee-Hoon Tan, senior vice-president of item advancement and marketing at Viking Cruises China.
This is a huge intake mindset shift, Tan stated, describing a generation of Chinese who have been prudent with spending throughout their working lives.
About 300 million people presently aged 50 to 60 - practically comparable to the whole U.S. population, are set to retire over the next 10 years, and the National Committee on Aging price quotes silver travel will account for 50% of domestic travel by 2040.
In June, Swiss-based Viking Cruises and Shanghai's. University for the Elderly, which is devoted to offering. courses to elders, revealed a partnership to combine history. and culture courses with travel plans around seaside areas in. Asia and on European rivers.
Viking's ships have barrier-free elevators, hand rails in. corridors and showers, bigger typefaces on tv remote. controls and toiletries to make it simpler on senior eyes. A. fresh noodle bar opens for early breakfast.
Shanghai Train Bureau likewise began targeting older. tourists this year, introducing 10 long-distance tourist. trains on scenic paths aimed at travelers aged 50-70 who want. to experience the diversity of regional customizeds and national. resources.
The trains, which go through the cliffs of the eastern. Huangshan mountains or through the terraced rice fields of. Lishui, are staffed with nurses and geared up to supply. health care services.
Visitor Tao Wen stated having health care on hand provided her. comfort. The 56-year-old retired in 2015 and has since. took a trip throughout China and Southeast Asia.
Companies require to understand our costs habits vary. from those of young people, Tao stated. We value. cost-effectiveness.
In China, hotel chain Hilton uses a senior. discount rate of as much as 6% for people aged over 65 and arranges tea. tasting and wellness classes for them.
The older boom is clearly visible, stated Wendy Huang,. senior vice president at Hilton in Greater China.
GREEN TEA AND SLIPPERS
China's tourist academy forecasts the variety of active. elderly visitors will surpass 100 million next year, when the. domestic silver tourist market will hit 1 trillion yuan ($ 139.9. billion) annually.
Still, a frail social safeguard, meagre pensions and patchy. health and senior care outside big cities may minimize. senior citizens' ability and willingness to invest their cost savings on. travel, experts say.
The slowing economy may also intensify these problems, said. Herald van der Linde, head of Asia Equity technique at HSBC.
However this process of ageing and moving intake. patterns is happening however, he stated.
Silver travellers can select off-peak durations in the. calendar to make the most of hotel discounts, stated Jane Sun,. head of China's most significant online travel agency Trip.com.
We advise our partners worldwide to have Chinese. food for breakfast, in the room, Sun said. Having a tea pot. with green tea, or slippers, doesn't cost too much, but will. make the older generation feel more at home.. ($ 1 = 7.1484 Chinese yuan renminbi)
(source: Reuters)