The Israeli Defence Forces released a footage showing what it described as an overnight strike targeting headquarters of Hezbollah in Lebanon’s Beirut. In a social media post on X, IDF said that it launched its twenty sixth wave of strikes in Dehiya since the start of its campaign and targeted headquarters and 10 high-rise buildings containing military infrastructure of Hezbollah.“The IDF completed a broad wave of strikes in Beirut overnight, targeting terror infrastructure of the terror organisation Hezbollah. As part of the strikes, the headquarters of the Executive Council was struck, along with a warehouse where unmanned aerial vehicles were stored, which Hezbollah uses in attacks towards the State of Israel,” IDF said.“The headquarters that were struck were intended to serve the terror organisation Hezbollah in advancing various terror plots against IDF forces and civilians of the State of Israel. Prior to the strike, steps were taken to minimise the risk of harm to civilians, including advance warnings, use of precision munitions, and aerial observations. The IDF will continue to act forcefully against the terror organisation Hezbollah, which decided to join the campaign and operate under the auspices of the Iranian terror regime, and will not allow harm to civilians of the State of Israel,” it added.Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that the strikes were conducted in a densely populated commercial and residential area in the Beirut region that is a stronghold of the Lebanese militant group.A series of violent strikes then rocked the city, the most intense barrage since a ceasefire in late 2024 paused fighting between Israel and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. As explosions shook the city, collapsing at least three buildings, residents fled.The attacks continued into the early morning hours, with more than 10 Israeli airstrikes targeting a minimum of five areas in the southern suburbs before dawn. And drones continued to hover over Beirut.Hezbollah joined the Middle East crisis, opening up another front in the war. The militants launched projectiles into northern Israel overnight Sunday for the first time in more than a year and the Israeli military quickly retaliated, declaring that Hezbollah had violated the truce.Hezbollah said it was responding to Israel’s violations throughout the truce, as well as the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, who died in a strike on his compound in Tehran on Saturday.The Israeli military had been attacking Hezbollah’s infrastructure and capabilities amid the ceasefire, arguing that the Lebanese military was failing to promptly disarm the powerful militant group as the truce deal required.Late Thursday, Lebanon’s health ministry reported that 123 people had been killed and 683 wounded in the recent Israeli attacks.Earlier in the day, the streets of Beirut erupted in chaos after the Israeli military warned people to leave the southern suburbs, prompting fears that it would soon begin a large-scale bombing campaign there. The Israeli military had attacked in the Beirut area on Wednesday night as well.

Sanju Samson, right, and Abhishek Sharma (PTI Photo)

NEW DELHI: Former India head coach Ravi Shastri believes Sanju Samson has finally “come of age” in the ongoing ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, praising the wicketkeeper-batter’s improved mental strength, consistency and smarter shot selection after a string of match-winning performances.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!Samson has emerged as one of India’s biggest stars in the knockout stage of the tournament. The opener blasted a stunning 42-ball 89 against England in the semifinal to power India to a thrilling seven-run victory. Earlier, his unbeaten 97 off 50 balls against the West Indies had laid the foundation for India’s crucial win in a virtual quarterfinal.

Reflecting on Samson’s resurgence, Shastri said the talented batter has finally found the balance between flair and responsibility.“I think he’s finally realising and coming to terms with the fact that he needs to be more consistent. He’s got to be wiser with his shot selection and he’s got to back his strengths,” Shastri said on The ICC Review.“The thing with Sanju is he’s got every shot in the book, but lapses in concentration. I think he’s toughened up mentally and there’s never been anyone who’s doubted his skill or talent ever since he made the side.”“What people have been disappointed about is that the run of consistency that should have been there by now wasn’t there. But he’s come of age now,” he said.

Samson’s heroics have played a crucial role in guiding India into the final, where they will face New Zealand at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.Despite Samson’s success, his opening partner Abhishek Sharma has struggled to find rhythm in the tournament, scoring just 89 runs in seven innings. However, Shastri urged the team management to show faith in the young left-hander rather than making last-minute changes before the final.“I think they’ve just got to stick with him now,” Shastri said.“Don’t make any changes as the side’s having a good run. Just tell him, ‘believe in your ability, believe in your strengths and back them. Don’t go into a shell where you’re tentative or timid.’”According to Shastri, the biggest stage could bring the best out of Abhishek.“We back you, you back your strengths and go out there and play. The last game might be the best game for you,” he added.

His songs fuelled a protest generation. Now the former Kathmandu mayor is taking on ex-PM Oli and asking voters to imagine him running countryKATHMANDU: Everybody wants a selfie with Balendra Shah.In Jhapa district on Sunday, as Nepal prepared for its March 5 election, the line curved along a dusty courtyard in the eastern plains. A volunteer kept the queue moving, allowing barely 10 seconds for each supporter — a handshake, a smile, a photograph. “I am here to see Balen though I have a fever,” a seven-year-old girl said. A middle-aged woman admitted she had left a heart check-up midway. “Just for a photo.”At the centre of the crowd stood Balen — dark blazer, trimmed beard, rectangular black sunglasses. It’s a look so closely associated with him that Kathmandu shops once ran out of the frames he favours, and online retailers still sell them as ‘Balen Shah glasses’. When the man — known simply as Balen — steps onto a campaign stage, the crowd often mirrors him in black shirts and dark shades. He removes his sunglasses only briefly. “Look at me,” he says. “I love you.” Balen, who turns 36 next month, is contesting parliamentary elections from Jhapa-5 against KP Sharma Oli, 74, the four-time PM who resigned five months ago after youth-led protests left 77 people dead. Jhapa-5 lies about 300km southeast of Kathmandu, close to Nepal’s open border with India; Siliguri in West Bengal sits just across the frontier and serves as a key commercial gateway for the region. Oli leads the Communist Party of Nepal – Unified Marxist Leninist, whose networks remain deeply rooted in this eastern constituency. Balen is running under the banner of Rastriya Swatantra Party, which is less than four years old. The contest pits a first-time national candidate against one of Nepal’s most durable political figures on ground that has rarely favoured outsiders.Balen was born in Kathmandu, the youngest of four siblings. His father, Ram Narayan Shah, a govt ayurveda practitioner who died last Dec, described him as “bright and simple,” a child who wrote poems — a habit that endured. Balen studied civil engineering in Kathmandu and later completed postgraduate work in structural engineering in India. His early life suggested discipline rather than disruption.In 2013, he entered Raw Barz, Nepal’s most visible rap battle stage, and won. His lyrics were pointed and unsparing, targeting corruption, political stagnation and the inheritance of power by the same figures. “More than a rapper, he was a poet,” one organiser said. “He talked about suppressed people.”His songs travelled beyond the underground. On a Discord forum last Sept where young protesters discussed who should steer the country after Oli’s resignation, Balen’s name surfaced more than 16,000 times, making him the most frequently mentioned figure in conversations about interim leadership. Many Gen Z activists saw him as their preferred successor. He declined that role, however, and publicly backed former Supreme Court chief justice Sushila Karki instead. Balen built his following largely online, amassing millions of followers across platforms.“He speaks the language of our frustration,” said Srijan Karki, 23, a software developer. “Other leaders deliver long speeches. He makes direct statements. Even when he is angry, it feels genuine.”In 2022, running as an independent, Balen won the Kathmandu mayoralty with 61,767 votes, defeating nominees from established parties. He governed publicly and confrontationally. Bulldozers tore down illegal structures, and waste collection to Singha Durbar — which houses the PM’s office — was temporarily halted in protest over what he described as central govt inaction.When protests convulsed Nepal in Sept 2025 and demonstrators clashed with security forces after a crackdown under Oli’s govt, anger spilled onto the streets. In Nov, still serving as Kathmandu mayor, Balen channelled that fury in a midnight Facebook post: “F*** America, F*** India, F*** China, F*** UML, F*** Congress, F*** RSP, F*** RPP, F*** Maobaadi. You guys all combined can do nothing.” Two months later, he resigned as mayor and joined RSP. Balen does not regularly engage with the media. He declined Oli’s call for a public debate, instead demanding that the former PM take responsibility for civilians killed during the protests. He instead relies on social media for outreach. Across platforms, he has built an online audience unmatched in Nepal — 3.5 million followers on Facebook, 1 million each on Instagram on YouTube and 4,00,000 on X. The protests of Sept 2025 altered Nepal’s political atmosphere. Young Nepalis poured into the streets over unemployment, corruption and perceived impunity, and Oli resigned. Balen did not formally lead the demonstrations, but he became closely identified with their tone.Aayal Sah, 23, a first-time voter from Janakpur, travelled to see him speak after he joined RSP. “I cannot directly vote for Balen as he is not contesting from our area,” Sah said. “But I’ll surely vote for his party.”In Jhapa’s Damak town, Bipana Oli, 25, a migrant worker who returned from Kuwait to cast her ballot, linked her future to the outcome. “How long I continue working in Kuwait will depend on Balen’s victory,” she said. “And the job opportunities he creates.”

The constant sound of explosions has become the default soundtrack in the Middle East as Donald Trump‘s mission-driven US military, along with its “wonderful partner” Israel, continues its offensive against Iran. The raging, Tehran after the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has delivered a strong response to the military campaign that began as Operation Epic Fury for the United States and Operation Lion’s Roar for Israel.The furious military operations in the Middle East region has entered 7th day.The American military, in a full-scale flex of force, has struck multiple defence facilities and key locations across Iran, including the capital Tehran. In response, Tehran has launched strong retaliatory strikes, launching multiple missile attacks across the region targeting US military bases and other locations in the Middle East, marking the start of the 19th wave of Operation True Promise 4 on Thursday morning.Donald Trump on combat operations in Iran: “The United States military, in collaboration with wonderful Israeli partners, continues to totally demolish the enemy far ahead of schedule…We’re destroying more of Iran’s missile and drone capacity every single hour.”Trump has repeatedly called for the fall of the Tehran regime and suggested that the United States should help choose Iran’s next leader. Among those considered in the race to become the next Ayatollah after Ali Khamenei, his son Mojtaba Khamenei has been described as an “unacceptable” choice for Trump-led United States.The intense military attacks that began last weekend, even after the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader — show no signs of easing. Instead, the skies across the Middle East continue to echo with the roar of escalating strikes.

Here are the top developments

‘Ready for a long war’: Iran

The military of Iran reflected on its preparedness amid the rapidly escalating situation, saying: “We are ready for a long war. Our new inventions are on the way. We haven’t used anything on a large scale yet. Let the enemy expect painful blows in every wave of attack.”

US strike hits Iranian ‘drone carrier’

The US military said it struck an Iranian vessel described as a “drone carrier,” which it said “is now on fire.”“US forces aren’t holding back on the mission to sink the entire Iranian Navy,” the United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a post on X, as the joint US-Israel military attack on Iran entered its seventh day.CENTCOM described the drone carrier as “roughly the size of a WWII aircraft carrier.”The post did not say where the attack took place.A video released by CENTCOM showed the alleged Iranian vessel surrounded by thick smoke after being hit by US strikes.

Satellite images show scale of destruction

New satellite images show the extent of the damage across Iran after days of intense military strikes.The imagery provides a clearer picture of the heavy military action carried out across several parts of the country.However, the strikes were not limited to military sites.

Schools damaged during bombing campaign

Two schools in Iran appeared to have been damaged on Thursday during the bombing campaign carried out by the United States and Israel.Photos of two boys’ schools, an elementary school and a middle school, located southwest of the capital Tehran show shattered windows and damaged or collapsed classroom walls.The images were published by the Iranian semi-official news agency Tasnim News Agency. Exterior photos were later verified by The New York Times.Satellite image analysis also showed several strike marks and burn scars around a school in southern Iran, suggesting it may have been hit more than once. Iranian authorities say that attack killed 168 people on Saturday.The damage to the two schools was reported about a week after dozens of people were killed, many of them children, when a girls’ school was struck in the southern Iranian town of Minab.The two schools damaged on Thursday are located in Parand, a city southwest of Tehran. Shortly after the strikes, an image of a large grey smoke plume appeared online. The New York Times later verified the image and confirmed that the smoke came from the area where the two schools are located.

Trump says US should help choose Iran’s next leader

Donald Trump said the United States should be involved in choosing the next leader of Iran.Speaking to Reuters in a telephone interview, Trump said it would be “wonderful” if Iranian Kurdish forces based in Iraq crossed into Iran to attack security forces.Trump said the next leader of Iran was unlikely to be the son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed in a military strike at the start of the war.“We’re going to have to choose that person along with Iran. We’re going to have to choose that person,” Trump said.Speaking six days after the US and Israel launched their attacks, Trump also supported Kurdish fighters taking action.“I think it’s wonderful that they want ⁠to do that, I’d be all for it,” the president said.The conflict has killed more than 1,000 people, including at least six US service members, and has caused widespread damage and instability across the Middle East.

Israel launches fresh strikes on Tehran

Israel said it launched a new wave of air strikes on Tehran early Friday.The Israeli military said it carried out a large-scale “wave of strikes against Iranian terror regime infrastructure in Tehran.”Iranian state television reported several explosions in different parts of the capital.

Hezbollah warns Israelis near Lebanon border

The Lebanon-based group Hezbollah said its fighters had returned to support Iran after the killing of a senior leader from the Shia group in earlier strikes.Hezbollah issued a warning in Hebrew telling Israeli residents in northern Israel to evacuate settlements within 5 km of the border with Lebanon.In its statement, the group said the Israeli military’s actions against Lebanese sovereignty, civilians, and infrastructure “will not go unanswered”.

Qatar intercepts drone targeting US airbase

The defence ministry of Qatar said its air defence systems intercepted a drone targeting the Al Udeid Air Base in Doha.Authorities had earlier raised the security alert level and asked residents to stay indoors and away from windows or exposed areas.

US House backs Trump’s military campaign

The United States House of Representatives rejected an attempt on Thursday to stop President Donald Trump’s air war on Iran and require congressional approval for military action.Lawmakers voted 219 to 212, mostly along party lines. The House currently has a narrow Republican majority.Two Republicans supported the resolution, while four Democrats voted against it.Opponents accused Democrats of bringing the vote simply because they oppose Trump.“We all know that we ⁠wouldn’t be here today if the president’s name wasn’t Donald Trump,” said Rick Crawford, the Republican chairman of the House Intelligence Committee.Supporters of the resolution said it was an effort to restore Congress’s constitutional authority to approve war.The conflict began after the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran on Saturday, a war that has now killed more than 1,000 people and increased instability across the Middle East.

Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda are currently enjoying a special phase after their wedding celebrations. The couple recently hosted a grand reception in Hyderabad on March 4 and soon after the event, the newly weds shared a heartwarming glimpse from the celebration. On the last day the couple took to Instagram and posted a blissful video montage from the reception night. The video shared in a collab post captured several beautiful moments from the celebration. The caption for the montage video read, “The Reception Evening. These past two weeks have been joyous. Every day, every event, every moment, and every person has filled us with love. Biggest hugs and kisses, and our gratitude (red heart emoji). With love, Vijay & Rashmika.”

The montage also showcased glimpses of the décor, stage moments, and joyful celebrations that marked the reception evening.

Fans flood social media with wishes

Soon after the video was shared, fans filled the comment section with congratulatory messages and blessings for the newly married couple.One fan commented, “So sooo Beautiful god bless you both.” Another wrote, “most memorable and special.”Another message read, “The way you both carry culture, love, respect and purity…it makes my heart so happy. Truly happy for you, Virosh.”More wishes followed from admirers across platforms. One fan wrote, “All the best for the new journey.” Another added, “No Nazar.”

Kriti Sanon shares glimpses from reception

The Hyderabad reception also witnessed several celebrities from the film industry. Among those present was Kriti Sanon, who attended the celebration along with filmmaker Homi Adajania.Kriti shared glimpses from the event on her Instagram Stories. In one picture, she was seen posing with Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda.The image was originally shared by Homi Adajania with a playful caption. The caption read, “Congrats, guys. Kriti Sanon, can you stay out of this?” Responding to the post, Kriti wrote, “Hahahahaha… Never… Love them!”

Star-studded guest list at Hyderabad event

The glittering reception turned into a major gathering of film personalities. Among the prominent guests were Allu Arjun, Ram Charan, Chiranjeevi, and Mrunal Thakur.Other celebrities who attended included Sreeleela, Karan Johar, Neena Gupta, and Daggubati Venkatesh.

NEW DELHI: Delhi recorded its hottest day of the season on Thursday as the maximum temperature climbed to 34.3°C — seven degrees above normal — surpassing Wednesday’s 33.2°C. The mercury is expected to rise further and may touch 36°C by March 10. IMD data shows that the 34°C mark was breached in the second week of March last year, while in 2024, it was crossed only in the last week of the month. Clear skies and persistent dry weather have contributed to the sharp rise in temperature. “The city has been recording dry conditions, with the last spell of intense rain on Jan 28. Feb saw only two instances of very light showers. In the absence of an active western disturbance, Delhi has been experiencing clear skies, resulting in a spike in temperatures,” said RK Jenamani, senior scientist at IMD. Night temperatures, too, are on an upward trend. The minimum settled at 18.2°C on Thursday — five degrees above normal — compared with 15.7°C a day earlier. Minimum temperatures are likely to stay between 16°C and 18°C over the next three days. Jenamani said summer in 2022 was the warmest in recent years, while last year remained relatively milder due to frequent thunderstorms. According to IMD, temperatures are likely to rise gradually as no active western disturbance is expected in the coming week. “A gradual increase of 3-4 degrees in maximum temperatures is forecast over the next five days, with no significant change thereafter. They are expected to remain appreciably above normal (3.1°C to 5°C) to markedly above normal (5.1°C or more) for the next seven days,” the bulletin said. Maximum temperatures are expected to hover between 33°C and 35°C from Friday to Monday, and may reach 36°C by March 10. The city has recorded temperatures above 30°C for nine consecutive days. IMD data shows that maximum temperatures remained above normal through most of Feb, dipping below normal only twice — to 17.5°C on Feb 2 and 21.1°C on Feb 18 — when a weak western disturbance brought drizzle and overcast skies. Last year’s highest March temperature was 38.9°C on March 26, while in 2024 it reached 37.8°C on March 29. Meanwhile, Delhi’s air quality remained in the ‘moderate’ category with an AQI of 142 on Thursday. It is expected to stay moderate on Friday and may deteriorate to ‘poor’ on Saturday.