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14 killed in US strikes targeting narco-traffickers

Washington, Oct 28, 2025
The US military carried out three strikes on four vessels allegedly trafficking narcotics in the eastern Pacific Ocean, killing 14 people and leaving one survivor, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced on X on Tuesday.

Hegseth said the vessels were hit in separate operations ordered by President Donald Trump.

The latest strikes bring the total death toll in Trump’s campaign against alleged traffickers in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific to more than 50 since early September.

“The four vessels were known by our intelligence apparatus, transiting along known narco-trafficking routes, and carrying narcotics,” Hegseth wrote.

“Eight male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessels during the first strike. Four male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel during the second strike. Three male narco-terrorists were aboard the vessel during the third strike. A total of 14 narco-terrorists were killed during the three strikes, with one survivor. All strikes were in international waters with no U.S. forces harmed.”

Following the attacks, Hegseth said US forces immediately launched a search-and-rescue mission for the survivor. Mexican maritime authorities later assumed responsibility for coordinating the rescue effort.

He did not release any information on the survivor’s condition or whereabouts.

The strikes mark the latest escalation in Washington’s campaign to target what the Trump administration has labelled “narco-terrorist networks.”

Earlier this month, US forces destroyed multiple boats and aircraft suspected of smuggling operations in the Caribbean.

Multiple operations have been conducted since the campaign began in September.

Hegseth described the ongoing mission as a shift from defending foreign territories to confronting threats closer to home.

“These narco-terrorists have killed more Americans than Al-Qaeda, and they will be treated the same,” he said.

“We will track them, we will network them, and then, we will hunt and kill them.”

Last week, the Pentagon announced the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier strike group to the Caribbean.

The carrier, equipped with stealth fighter jets and surveillance aircraft, is being repositioned from the Mediterranean to waters off Venezuela.

The strikes and the carrier deployment have drawn domestic and international attention, and lawmakers have pressed the administration for additional details about legal authorisation, targeting procedures and efforts to limit civilian harm.(Agency)

Jannat Zubair comes in support of Ashnoor Kaur after body-shaming remark by housemates

Mumbai, Oct 28, 2025
Popular television actress Jannat Zubair has come in support of ‘Bigg Boss 19’ contestant Ashnoor Kaur after housemates Kunickaa Sadanand, Tanya Mittal, and Neelam Giri body shamed her during a recent episode of the reality show.

Taking to the Stories section of her Instagram handle, Jannat penned, “A person’s body is not public property for jokes and opinions. It’s 2025. We should’ve evolved past body shaming by now. She’s on that stage because she’s talented, confident and unstoppable not because she fits someone’s idea of a “perfect body”. Proud of you @ashnoorkaur for holding your head high and being You! (white heart emoji. (sic)”

Earlier, Ashnoor’s ‘Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai’ co-star and former ‘Bigg Boss 10’ contestant Rohan Mehra also used social media to offer his support.

Slamming Kunickaa, Tanya, and Neelam, Rohan wrote, “Body shaming is unacceptable. What happened to @ashnoorkaur today was wrong and needs to be called out. Respect and kindness should be the bare minimum. Shame on you, @iam_kunickaasadanand, @neelamgiri_, and @tanyamittalofficial (sic),” along with a thumbs down emoticon.

Rohan and Ashnoor were seen as siblings in the popular show “Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai”.

For those who do not know, during a recent episode of “Bigg Boss 19″, Neelam asked Kunickaa and Tanya, “Jurassic Park dekhoge? (Will you see Jurassic Park?” pointing towards Ashnoor, as she was standing with Pranit More. Hearing this, Kunickaa started laughing.

Not just that, Tanya and Neelam were also seen talking about Ashnoor’s sudden weight gain. Tanya told Neelam that while Ashnoor is working out in the gym every single day, she seems to have gained weight.

Tanya said that Ashnoor had lost a massive amount of weight previously; however, she has now gained some of the weight back and has started to look like her mother.(Agency)

Bangladesh suspends international flight operations at Cox’s Bazar airport

Dhaka, Oct 28, 2025
Bangladesh’s interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has announced suspension of international flight operations at Cox’s Bazar Airport, local media reported on Tuesday.

The authorities have instructed that the airport cannot be used for emergency or diversion landings, or for operating non-scheduled international flights.

The directive, issued by the Ministry of Civil Aviation and Tourism, stated that Cox’s Bazar Airport cannot be used for international flights until further notice.

“Cox’s Bazar Airport is requested not to be used for international scheduled flights as well as non-scheduled international flights and emergency landings,” it read.

The Ministry has instructed the relevant agencies to take necessary steps to ensure proper implementation of the order, Bangladesh’s Bengali daily ‘Kaler Kantho’ reported on Tuesday.

Earlier, on October 12, the interim government had issued a gazette designating Cox’s Bazar Airport as an international airport. However, just 11 days later, the government decided to suspend the notification.

Last week, speaking to Daily Star, Air Commodore Noor-e-Alam, member of air traffic management at the Civil Aviation Authority of Bangladesh (CAAB), said that the CAAB Chairman had sent a letter to the ministry on October 21, seeking guidance on what should be done regarding Cox’s Bazar airport.

The Civil Aviation Ministry Advisor Bashir Uddin and Secretary Nasreen Jahan visited the airport after which they said that an official decision would come on Sunday.

Reports suggest that, initiated in 2021 under the Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina, the plan to upgrade the airport in the coastal resort town to international standards aimed to attract foreign tourists and develop Cox’s Bazar as a global destination.

As part of the project, the runway at the airport was extended from about 2,065 metres to 2,743 metres (6,775 feet to 9,000 feet).

Bangladesh has been reeling under uncertainty and stalled development projects under the Yunus-led interim government which continue to plunge the nation into a deep economic slowdown.(Agency)

Enrique Iglesias arrives In India ahead of his two-day concert In Mumbai

Mumbai, Oct 28, 2025
The Grammy Award-winning singer Enrique Iglesias is back in India after 13 long years ahead of his much-anticipated Mumbai concert.

On Tuesday, the Spanish singer was captured at Mumbai Airport wearing a grey T-shirt along with matching jogger-style trousers, a grey cap, and black sunglasses.

The ‘Hero’ singer is set to perform in the Maximum City on October 30 at the MMRDA Grounds in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex. As tickets for the October 30 concert reportedly sold out quickly, the organisers added another show on October 29, keeping in view the high demand for the singer.

Refreshing your memory, Iglesias first came to India back in 2004, followed by a visit in 2012.

During an exclusive conversation with IANS, Iglesias revealed that returning to India was always a priority.

Iglesias told IANS that “there was no hiatus”, sharing why this was the right time for his return to the country.

He shared, “There was no hiatus; it just takes time between albums and touring around to other countries to make it back over there. But it has always been a priority to come back, and I could not be more thrilled.”

Shedding light on India emerging as a significant player in the global music conversation, the singer said, “It was bound to happen, and I couldn’t be happier. India has such amazing fans. They have such a great respect and appreciation for music. I must also point out how incredible the fans are when I perform in India. The energy it’s extraordinary.”

During the conversation, Iglesias even hinted at a possible collaboration with an Indian artist.

When asked if he would ever consider joining forces with Indian artists or incorporating Indian sounds into his music, he stated, “I am always open to ideas, and you never know — it could already be in the making.”(Agency)

Punjab Government Announces Major Relief For Industry, Trade: Sanjeev Arora

Chandigarh, 28 October, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora today informed that Govt. of Punjab had imposed stamp duty of 0.25% of the loan amount on all equitable mortgages (where land is given as collateral) and hypothecation of immovable property i.e. stocks given as collateral against the Bank loans in January 2025, a further 0.25% subject to a ceiling of 1 lakh, on registration of equitable mortgages was also imposed.

Addressing the media, Cabinet Minister Sh. Sanjeev Arora revealed that the Government of Punjab was earning quite a lot of revenue. However, multiple industry associations like CII, PHDCCI, APEX CHAMBER, CICU, FICO, SLBC had highlighted several challenges like double taxation as most industrial loans involved both equitable mortgage as well as some hypothecation of immovable property. As of today, a loanee is paying 0.25% duty on equitable mortgage, 0.25% duty on hypothecation, and 0.25% on registration (capped). This is almost ~0.65% effective incidence.

It was particularly a burden for over 14 lakh registered MSMEs in the state. They are the creators of the maximum number of jobs, but these charges were hampering their growth and viability.

Sharing more details, Sanjeev Arora highlighted that Government of Punjab has decided to amend the notified rates in light of this issue. In this regard, Stamp Duty on the total loan amount, covering all related instruments including Equitable Mortgage and Hypothecation, shall be levied at 0.25% of the loan amount, subject to a maximum of Rs. 5,00,000 (Rs Five lakhs only). Registration Fee on Equitable Mortgage shall be Rs. 1000/- reduced from Rs. 100000/-.

Following the Cabinet decision, he said that a bill will be presented in front of the Vidhan Sabha to amend the Indian Stamp Act accordingly. This rationalisation aligns Punjab with leading industrial states, signalling a pro-business stance and allowing the state to compete more effectively for productive investments.

It will lead to massive improvement in the ease of doing business, increased credit availability and credit uptake in the state. It will also enhance potentially leading to increased investments, jobs etc.

With this step Punjab has become better than other States as far as these charges are concerned i.e Haryana, Kerala, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh & Gujarat.

Punjab Ministers Invite Madhya Pradesh CM To 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Punjab Ministers invite MP CM Dr. Mohan Yadav

Chandigarh, October 28, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

As part of Chief Minister S.Bhagwant Singh Mann’s initiative to invite Chief Ministers from across the country for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Sahib Ji, Punjab Cabinet Ministers Dr. Baljit Kaur and Mohinder Bhagat today met Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and extended a formal invitation to attend the main events scheduled at Sri Anandpur Sahib next month.

The Ministers apprised the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister about the series of religious and cultural events being organized to commemorate the supreme sacrifice of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji, who laid down His life to uphold the principles of faith, righteousness, and freedom of conscience. They also briefed him about the key highlights of the commemorations, including the main events from November 23 to 25 at Sri Anandpur Sahib.

Expressing appreciation for the gesture, the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr.Mohan Yadav said that Guru Sahib’s message of peace, harmony, and universal brotherhood continues to guide humanity and remains a beacon of inspiration for all.

The Punjab Government has deputed its Cabinet Ministers to personally invite Chief Ministers of all states for the 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of the Ninth Guru Sahib. These Ministers have been visiting various states to deliver invitations on behalf of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, ensuring that the message of Guru Sahib’s sacrifice and teachings resonates across the nation.

The month-long programmes, which began with the Ardas at Gurdwara Sri Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi, will include Light and Sound Shows, Kirtan Darbars, and religious congregations at sacred sites across Punjab. Four Nagar Kirtans originating from Srinagar (Jammu and Kashmir), Gurdaspur, Faridkot, and Takht Sri Damdama Sahib (Punjab) will culminate at Sri Anandpur Sahib on November 22. The concluding events will feature a Sarbat Dharam Sammelan, a Special Session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, and a grand Kirtan Darbar.

Punjab: AAP Gets Massive Boost in Tarn Taran as Senior Leaders From Akali Dal, BJP and Congress Join Party

Tarn Taran, October 28, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

In a major political development in Tarn Taran, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) received a significant boost as several prominent leaders and office-bearers from the Akali Dal, BJP, and Congress joined AAP, expressing full faith in the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the pro-people policies of the AAP government.

The joining ceremony took place in the presence of AAP Punjab Working President Aman Sher Singh Sherry Kalsi, State General Secretary Harchand Singh Barsat, and Dr. S.S. Ahluwalia, where they formally welcomed the new members into the AAP family.

Sherry Kalsi said that the continuous wave of new members joining AAP clearly shows that the people of Punjab have recognized the clean, transparent, and performance-driven politics of the Mann government. “The politics of deceit and corruption practiced by traditional parties has lost relevance. People now want honest governance and real development, which only AAP can deliver,” Kalsi stated.

Those who joined the Aam Aadmi Party include prominent leaders and workers from across Tarn Taran, BJP’s Dilbag Singh, MC Harbhej Singh, Bikram Singh Bal, Rinku Masih, Gurbhej Singh, Shamsher Singh, Gurlal Singh, Sajan, Baj Singh, Manpreet Singh, Jatinder Singh, Surinder Singh, Rahul Sharma, Major Singh, Surjit Singh, Amandeep Singh, Prabhjot Singh, Jagjit Singh, Harpreet Singh, Chairman Balwinder Singh, BJP leader Gurbir Singh Fauji, Gurwinder Singh (Panchayat Member), Gurjeet Singh, Hardeep Singh, Amritpal Singh, Harcharan Singh Sonu, Gurpreet Singh, Harpreet Singh, Vikram Singh, Lovepreet Singh, Jajjbir Singh, and District President Gurshabad Bodwal.

Barsat said that the Mann government has proven through action that AAP is a government of the people, for the people, not a party of privilege. “Whether it is 600 units of free electricity, quality education through Schools of Eminence, free treatment in Aam Aadmi Clinics, or record investment in rural development, every section of society is feeling the difference,” said Harchand Barsat.

Dr. S.S. Ahluwalia added that the decision of senior leaders from all three traditional parties to join AAP is a reflection of the changing political mood of Punjab. “People have seen enough of corruption and empty promises. Now, they are standing firmly with the honest and hardworking leadership of Bhagwant Singh Mann,” he said.

The new entrants pledged to work dedicatedly to strengthen the Aam Aadmi Party and AAP candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu in every village and ward of Tarn Taran. Sherry Kalsi concluded by saying that this wave of public trust and participation will ensure that AAP’s mission of transforming Punjab into a prosperous and corruption-free state continues with even greater strength.

Punjab Cabinet Approves New Building By-Laws; CM Mann Promises Corruption-Free Layout Plan Approvals

Chandigarh, October 28, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

In a major people friendly initiative aimed at giving fillip to urban development and industrialisation, the Punjab Cabinet led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday gave nod to Punjab Unified Building Rules, 2025.

A decision to this effect was taken in the meeting of Council of Ministers held here under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister.

Disclosing this here today a spokesperson of the Chief Minister’s Office said that a this act aims to introduce a comprehensive and uniform regulatory framework governing building and development activities across Punjab.

These Rules apply equally to the Department of Housing & Urban Development and the Department of Local Government, ensuring consistency and simplification in approvals and enforcement. The key reforms focus on ease of doing business, efficient land utilization, and vertical urban growth.

This act stipules raising the permissible height for low-rise buildings from 15m to 21m and enabling third-party self-certification for plan approval and completion. Limiting scrutiny for high-rise projects to essential safety parameters, thereby reducing delays. Allowing additional ground coverage and FAR on payment basis, and relaxing parking, setback, and open space norms.

Likewise, it also includes Incorporating EWS, Affordable, and Rental Housing provisions within a single unified framework.

Introducing new building categories such as Mixed Land Use and Multilevel Parking, aligning with modern urban needs. Permitting wider balconies, basement use, car lifts, and exemptions from on-site STP where city-level facilities exist. These reforms represent a progressive step towards sustainable, investor-friendly, and standardized building regulation across Punjab.

OKAYS RATIONALISATION OF STAMP DUTY AND REGISTRATION FEE ON INSTRUMENTS OF HYPOTHECATION AND EQUITABLE MORTGAGE

Likewise, the Cabinet also gave approval for Rationalisation of Stamp Duty and Registration Fee on Instruments of Hypothecation and Equitable Mortgage by Amending the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 (Punjab) and Registration Fee Rules. This step is a progressive and business-friendly initiative aimed at reducing financial burden on industries. It also promotes ease of doing business and improves access to affordable credit besides enhancing Punjab’s competitiveness and overall economic environment.

GIVES CONCURRENCE TO PUNJAB SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER TREATMENT AND COUNSELLING AND REHABILITATION RULES 2025

The Cabinet also gave its concurrence to the Punjab Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Counselling and Rehabilitation Centres Rules, 2025, replacing the existing 2011 Rules and First Amendment Rules, 2020, to strengthen regulation of de-addiction and rehabilitation centres across Punjab.

These rules overcomes the shortcomings in 2011 rules and subsequent amendments in the 2020 to regulate 36 Government and 177 licensed private de-addiction centres, along with OOAT clinics.

It will help in Strengthening licensing, renewal, and inspection processes, Biometric attendance and mandatory online data reporting, Penal provisions for non-compliance or minor deficiencies, Revised infrastructure, staff, and record-keeping standards and Secure and transparent dispensing of Buprenorphine–Naloxone.

APPROVES FILLIP UP OF MORE THAN 100 POSTS IN SPORTS DEPARTMENT

The Cabinet also approved Filling up of 14 Group-A, 16 Group-B and 80 Group-C posts in the Punjab Sports Medical Cadre to strengthen sports medical support system across districts. It will also help in Improving injury management, recovery, and performance of sportspersons along with Promotion of scientific sports development and alignment with national standards.

These professionals will be deployed in major sports districts such as Patiala, Sangrur, Bathinda, Faridkot, Fazilka, Ludhiana, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Jalandhar, SAS Nagar, Ropar, and Hoshiarpur, where the concentration of players is higher.

APPROVAL TO ALLOT LAND FOR SETTING UP 100 BEDDED ESI HOSPITAL AT DERA BASSI

In order to provide quality and affordable healthcare to employees working in factories and industrial units of Dera Bassi and nearby areas, the Cabinet also gave nod to lease around four acres of land for setting up 100 bedded ESI hospital in Dera Bassi.

At present, employees in Dera Bassi and adjoining industrial zones rely on ESI facilities located in Ludhiana, Mohali, and Chandigarh, which are insufficient to meet the growing healthcare demand. This step will reduce the patient load on existing ESI hospitals and promote industrial welfare and social security in Punjab’s key industrial belt.

GREEN SIGNAL TO CREATE SUB TEHSIL LUDHIANA NORTH

These Cabinet also gave its approval to create Sub-Tehsil Ludhiana (North) for improving administrative efficiency and public convenience in urban areas of District Ludhiana. It will facilitate Quicker mutation and registry processing for high-density urban villages. It will also help in Decongestion of Ludhiana (East/West) tehsils and improved citizen convenience through optimal use of existing infrastructure.

BARNALA MUNICIPAL COUNCIL TO BE UPGRADED AS MUNICIPAL CORPORATION

The Cabinet also gave go ahead to upgrade the existing Municipal Council, Barnala to a Municipal Corporation, enabling planned urban growth, improved civic infrastructure, and efficient governance for the rapidly expanding district headquarters city. This will help in strengthening the urban governance and infrastructure and enhancing service delivery and quality of life for residents.

Punjab Govt Releases ₹12.96-Cr For Tarn Taran Under Ashirwad Scheme: Harmeet Singh Sandhu

Tarn Taran, October 28, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu praised the social welfare policies of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, stating that the AAP government is truly a government of the poor and the common people.

He said that during its tenure, the Mann government has proven that its agenda is not limited to infrastructure development alone but also focuses on the economic upliftment of the weaker sections of society.

In a press statement issued here today, Harmeet Singh Sandhu cited the latest figures, stating that under the Ashirwad Scheme, the Punjab Government has released a total financial assistance of ₹12 crore 96 lakh during the year 2024–25 to 2,542 eligible applicants from Tarn Taran district.

Under this scheme, families belonging to Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, and Economically Weaker Sections are provided a grant of ₹51,000 each at the time of their daughter’s marriage.

Launching a sharp attack on traditional parties, Sandhu said that during the previous Akali-BJP and Congress governments, this scheme had remained confined merely to official papers. He said, “Earlier, people had to make endless rounds of government offices for years to get the ₹51,000 grant, and they often had to face a lot of harassment.

But Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s government not only cleared all the pending dues from the past but also ensured that the beneficiaries receive the amount directly in their bank accounts without any bribe or delay.”

The AAP candidate said that this substantial amount of ₹12.96 crore reflects how sensitive the government is toward poor families. He said that this financial assistance has become a major source of support for 2,542 families.

The Mann government, he added, has not only strengthened families through the Ashirwad Scheme but also improved the living standards of common people through 600 units of free electricity, free healthcare via Aam Aadmi Clinics, and quality education through Schools of Eminence.

Sandhu assured that the AAP government will continue to work with the same transparency and integrity for the welfare of the people of Tarn Taran in the future as well.

Harbhajan Singh ETO Reviews Preparations For 350th Martyrdom Anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji

Chandigarh, October 28, 2025 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Public Works Minister S. Harbhajan Singh ETO today reviewed the preparations being made for the 350th martyrdom anniversary of Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji.

During the meeting, the officials of the department said that three tent cities are being readied for the Sangat at different places in Sri Anandpur Sahib, for the stay of 10 to 12 thousand Sangat. He said that the work of constructing tent cities at the designated places in this regard has been started and will be completed in time for the occasion.

On this occasion, S. Harbhajan Singh ETO also reviewed the preparations for the special session of the Vidhan Sabha being held in Sri Anandpur Sahib. He instructed the officers that additional staff may be deployed as required to ensure that all the work related to this work is completed before the specified date.

He also instructed the officers that a detailed schedule should be fixed for review meetings regarding these works and if any difficulty arises, it should be brought to the notice of the higher officers immediately.

The condition of the routes of the Nagar Kirtans coming from different places in connection with the 350th martyrdom event was also be reviewed and directions were issued to complete the ongoing repair work on these roads immediately so that the devotees do not face any kind of difficulty.

Principal Secretary Public Works Mr. Vikas Pratap, Special Secretary Mrs. Hargunjit Kaur, Engineer in Chief Mr. Gagandeep Singh, Chief Engineers Mr. Vijay Kumar Chopra,Mr. Anil Gupta, Mr. Ramtesh Bains, Mr. Arshdeep Singh and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.

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