Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel and United States launched coordinated military strikes on Iran to eliminate what he described as an “existential threat” from Tehran’s government. The operation, reportedly named Operation Lion’s Roar, targets Iran’s military and strategic assets, with Netanyahu urging Iranian citizens to break free from tyranny and calling on Israelis to follow safety directives amid rising tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump backed the offensive as major combat operations aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities. Explosions were reported in Tehran and regional instability is escalating rapidly.

Emergency sirens rang out across Bahrain after a reported missile attack targeted facilities linked to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet in the capital, Manama. The incident followed escalating hostilities after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Authorities urged residents to remain indoors as explosions were reported near key military zones. While the extent of damage remains unclear, the development has heightened security concerns across the Gulf, with neighboring countries also on alert amid rising tensions and fears of further retaliation in the Middle East.

Israel launched a pre-emptive military strike on Iran, with **explosions reported in Tehran and a state of emergency declared by Israeli authorities, according to defence officials. Sirens sounded across Israel as alerts urged civilians to seek shelter amid fears of Iranian missile retaliation. Iran’s state media acknowledged blasts in the capital without full details. The offensive—reported to involve both Israeli and U.S. forces—comes amid long-running tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme and follows failed diplomatic talks. The situation has disrupted travel and heightened regional instability, with international observers warning of potential further escalation. 

Former India captain Sourav Ganguly has backed Jammu & Kashmir pacer Auqib Nabi for a national call-up ahead of India’s white-ball tour of England in July 2026, following Nabi’s standout performance in the Ranji Trophy 2025-26 final. Ganguly praised the 29-year-old’s impressive five-wicket haul and overall season, emphasising that English conditions suit fast bowlers and could be the ideal stage for him to debut. Nabi’s domestic dominance has sparked debate about India’s selection strategy, with many viewing this as a strong case for his inclusion in the squad. (PC: X)

An Air India flight from Delhi to Tel Aviv (AI139) was forced to **turn back mid-air and divert to Mumbai after Israel shut its airspace following military strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026. The airline said the decision prioritised passenger and crew safety amid the escalating conflict and closures affecting flights in the region. IndiGo and other carriers are also monitoring conditions closely and advising passengers to check flight statuses as disruptions continue due to the security situation. The closures come amid heightened tensions after joint US-Israel actions against Iran. (PC: Air India)

The Election Commission of India has started the phased publication of post‑Special Intensive Revision (SIR) electoral rolls across West Bengal, releasing district‑wise details in both hard copy and soon online formats ahead of upcoming elections. Officials in Bankura district reported that approximately 1.18 lakh names have been deleted from the rolls due to reasons such as death, migration, duplication and untraceability, reducing the electorate there. The updated lists will classify about 7.08 crore electors as “approved,” “deleted” or “under adjudication,” with the latter awaiting further judicial review. Hard copies are displayed in districts, while online publication on EC portals and apps is expected shortly. 

Following coordinated US‑Israel military strikes on Iran on February 28, 2026, US President Donald Trump stated the action aimed to prevent Tehran from rebuilding its nuclear programme and developing long‑range missiles that could threaten the United States and allies. Trump shared a stern message on Truth Social, warning Iran’s regime to “lay down arms or face certain death” and asserting that “Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.” He described the ongoing strikes as part of a “massive operation” targeting Iran’s missile infrastructure and military capabilities after diplomatic negotiations failed. The escalation raises fears of broader regional conflict. 

Israel announced on February 28, 2026, that it had carried out a pre‑emptive military attack against Iran, marking a significant escalation in longstanding regional tensions. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz stated the strike was intended to “remove threats to the State of Israel,” following months of planning and warnings over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programmes. Explosions were reported across Tehran and other Iranian cities, while air raid sirens sounded in Israel and a state of emergency was declared with schools and workplaces closed. The operation was reportedly coordinated with the United States, and Tehran has signalled plans to retaliate, further dimming hopes for diplomatic solutions to the nuclear dispute. (PC: AP)

India aim to avenge the iconic 2016 ICC T20 World Cup semi‑final loss to West Indies, when Lendl Simmons’ unbeaten 82 led the Caribbean side to a stunning seven‑wicket victory at Wankhede Stadium, ending India’s campaign in dramatic fashion. Nearly a decade later, both teams meet in a crucial 2026 Super 8 showdown in Kolkata with semi‑final qualification at stake. India, stronger on paper and familiar with home conditions, seek to rewrite history, while West Indies carry fond memories of past success in T20 World Cups and Kolkata’s Eden Gardens. (PC: PTI)

In Bijnor, Uttar Pradesh, two men convicted of murdering a man by running him over were sentenced to life imprisonment by Additional District and Sessions Judge Nijendra Kumar. Moments after the verdict, the convicts threatened the judge, telling him they knew his address and village and warning they would harm him, officials said. The chilling threat inside the courtroom has raised serious concerns about judicial safety and courtroom decorum. Police and court authorities are now reviewing security measures for the judge and taking the incident seriously. The victim, Pukhraj, was killed in the Dhampur area in 2024.