Mexican Army Takes Down 'El Mencho,' One of the World's Most Feared Drug Lords

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:35am on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International

The Mexican army killed powerful drug lord Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera, 59-year-old leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco state. Wounded in the clash, Oseguera died while being airlifted to Mexico City. He carried a $15 million US bounty on his head. The operation, conducted with US intelligence assistance, also killed six cartel gunmen, wounded three soldiers, and seized weapons including rocket launchers. Retaliatory cartel violence erupted immediately, over 20 roads were blocked with burning vehicles spreading chaos across Jalisco, Michoacan, and Puerto Vallarta. Schools, events, and businesses were shut down. US and Canadian airlines cancelled dozens of flights amid the widespread unrest. (PC: X & NDTV)

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8 Arrested Across India with Suspected ISI and Bangladesh Links Before Strike Execution

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:26am on 23 Feb 2026,Monday International

Indian national security agencies arrested eight suspects for allegedly plotting a terrorist attack, with investigators probing suspected links to Pakistan's ISI and Bangladesh-based outfits. Six arrests were made across multiple Tamil Nadu locations Including Uthukuli, Palladam, and Thirumuruganpoondi during a joint intelligence-based operation, while two others were picked up in follow-up action. Several accused are believed to be Bangladeshi nationals using fraudulent Aadhaar cards to secure employment in Tiruppur's garment industry. Authorities seized eight mobile phones and sixteen SIM cards. Intelligence agencies simultaneously warned of a Lashkar-e-Taiba conspiracy targeting prominent religious sites including Akshardham, Kashi Vishwanath, Ram Mandir Ayodhya, and ISKCON Delhi. All accused are being transported to Delhi for detailed interrogation. (PC: X)

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All Four Moscow Airports Closed After Russia Says 11 Ukrainian Drones Intercepted Near Capital

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:16pm on 22 Feb 2026,Sunday International

All four major airports in Moscow were shut on Sunday after Russian authorities said air defences destroyed 11 Ukrainian drones near the capital.   Russia’s civil aviation agency Rosaviatsia said flights were halted at Domodedovo, Vnukovo, Zhhukovsky and Sheremetyevo airports due to safety concerns.   Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin said, “Air defences have intercepted another UAV flying towards Moscow.” He later added that the total number of downed drones had reached 11.   Russia says Ukrainian drones often target its regions, including Moscow. The closures came as the conflict between the two countries nears its fourth year. (PC: NDTV)

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India Slams Pakistan Strikes in Afghanistan as Bid to Shift Focus From Internal Problems

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:06pm on 22 Feb 2026,Sunday International

India on Sunday criticised Pakistan’s airstrikes inside Afghanistan, calling them an attempt to shift focus from its own internal issues.   External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the strikes caused civilian deaths, including women and children, during Ramadan. “India strongly condemns Pakistan’s airstrikes on Afghan territory,” he said. He added that it was “another attempt by Pakistan to externalise its internal failures.”   India also reaffirmed support for Afghanistan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.   Pakistan said it targeted militant camps after recent attacks in its territory. Kabul rejected the strikes and warned of a “necessary and measured response.”

Read More at India Today

21-Year-Old Armed With Shotgun and Fuel Can Shot Dead by Secret Service After Breaching Security at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago Estate

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:01pm on 22 Feb 2026,Sunday International

A 21-year-old man was shot and killed after entering the inner security perimeter of former US President Donald Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Florida. The US Secret Service said the incident happened at about 01:30 local time. Officers spotted the man near the north gate carrying a shotgun and a fuel can. Sheriff Ric Bradshaw said officers ordered him to drop the items. “He dropped the can and raised the shotgun to a firing position,” Bradshaw said. Agents then fired to “neutralise the threat.” US media identified him as Austin T. Martin of North Carolina. Trump was not in Florida. The FBI is leading the investigation. (PC: BBC)

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Pakistan Carries Out Overnight Air Strikes in Afghanistan, Taliban Say 18 Civilians Killed

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:47pm on 22 Feb 2026,Sunday International

Pakistan launched overnight air strikes in eastern Afghanistan. The Taliban said at least 18 people, including women and children, were killed.   Islamabad said the strikes hit seven militant camps near the border. It called them “intelligence based selective targeting” after recent suicide attacks in Pakistan.   Afghan officials said homes and a religious school were hit in Nangarhar and Paktika provinces. A local resident said 18 members of one family died in Nangarhar.   Pakistan blamed the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan and said Kabul failed to act against militants. The Taliban called the strikes a “blatant violation” and warned of a response. (PC: BBC)

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Iran University Students Hold First Major Anti-Government Protests Since Deadly January Crackdown

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:54am on 22 Feb 2026,Sunday International

Students at several universities in Iran held anti-government protests on Saturday. It is the first large action since last month’s deadly crackdown. Videos verified by the BBC show hundreds marching at Sharif University of Technology in Tehran. They chanted “death to the dictator,” referring to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Scuffles broke out between protesters and pro-government supporters. Peaceful sit-ins were also seen at Shahid Beheshti University and Amirkabir University of Technology. In Mashhad, students shouted “Freedom, freedom” and called for rights. The protests honour thousands killed in January. The US is also weighing possible military action against Iran.

Read More at BBC

Donald Trump Says No Change to India-US Trade Deal and India Will Continue Paying Duties

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:53am on 22 Feb 2026,Sunday International

After the US Supreme Court struck down his broad tariff powers, President Donald Trump insisted that the India-US interim trade deal remains unchanged and bilateral cooperation continues. Trump told reporters that “nothing changes” in the agreement and that India will continue paying tariffs while the United States will not, calling the arrangement fair and praising Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The comments came amid legal and political debate over Trump’s authority to impose global import duties, and follow his announcement of new tariff measures under alternate trade laws. India said it is studying the implications of the court judgment for its economy and exporters. 

Read More at The Hindu

US President Donald Trump to Raise Global Tariffs to 15% Following Supreme Court Ruling

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:42am on 22 Feb 2026,Sunday International

US President Donald Trump announced that he will increase his newly imposed global tariff rate to 15% on imports from all countries, after the US Supreme Court struck down his previous tariff framework as exceeding presidential authority. Trump said the higher levy, rising from an initial 10% rate, is “fully allowed and legally tested” under a lesser-used trade law and will take effect immediately, aiming to protect American industries and address trade imbalances. The move signals continued trade tension with global partners and is likely to face legal and political challenges, with implications for global markets and US consumers. (PC: EPA)

Read More at BBC

Microsoft Appoints Asha Sharma as Xbox CEO, Faces Online Backlash Over ‘Nepotism’ Claims

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:04am on 22 Feb 2026,Sunday International

Microsoft appointed Asha Sharma as the new CEO of its Xbox and Microsoft Gaming division, succeeding longtime chief Phil Spencer, who retired after nearly four decades. Sharma, an Indian-origin executive with a strong background in AI and consumer products, previously led Microsoft’s CoreAI division and held senior roles at Instacart and Meta. The leadership change aims to steer Xbox through industry shifts as gaming expands across consoles, cloud, and AI. However, the announcement sparked widespread online backlash, with critics on social media questioning her lack of direct gaming experience and accusing the company of “Indian nepotism,” while supporters defended her credentials. (PC: X)

Read More at Financial Express

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