NATIONAL 
EXPRESS

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) today announced that it has eliminated five senior commanders in the IRGC Quds Force’s Lebanon Corps in a precise strike in Beirut. In a social media post, the IDF noted that those eliminated were Commander of the Lebanon Corps Daoud Ali Zadeh, Majid Hassini, Commander of the intelligence sector of the Lebanon Corps – Ali Reza Bi-Azar; and Hasan Ahmadlo, an intelligence operative in the Lebanon Corps, among others. The IDF said that these were eliminated in Operation Roaring Lion. In another post on X, the IDF said that it also eliminated the new Head of the Military Office of the Supreme Leader and the Chief of Staff of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, Abu al-Qassem Baba’iyan. Baba’iyan was responsible for coordinating between the Iranian terror regime’s various force employment organisations to execute operations and emergency operations.

The 7th Assembly Session of the 12th Manipur Legislative Assembly will resume today. The Session was adjourning sine die on 5th February. During the session, the House will discuss the Governor’s Address, which was delivered on 5th February. The Supplementary demand for grants 2026-27 will also be tabled in the house, and an obituary reference will be held for the departed members. The session will continue till the 17th of this month.

As Operation Epic Fury, led by US and Israel, enters its tenth day, Iran has named a new Supreme Leader. State media reports that Mojtaba Khamenei will succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was killed at his compound in Tehran during the first wave of US and Israeli strikes. Israel has already issued a threat, saying any successor will be targeted. Meanwhile, in the UAE, Iranian strikes continued to target Abu Dhabi yesterday, with projectiles being intercepted. Since the 28th of February, a sustained air campaign led by a United States and Israeli coalition has focused on dismantling Iranian missile capabilities and key leadership infrastructure. Iran has responded with waves of strikes against regional targets, including the Gulf nations, significantly deepening the crisis across West Asia. In Tehran, Israeli strikes resumed after nightfall, with the Iranian capital choked by smoke following earlier attacks on its energy infrastructure. The US military urged Iranian civilians to remain indoors, claiming Tehran has been launching drones and missiles from populated areas, making those locations potential targets. At sea, the situation remains critical. The Strait of Hormuz is effectively impassable for most commercial shipping. While no formal closure has been decreed, the risk has driven an eighty percent drop in vessel traffic. Major shipping lines have suspended transits as war-risk insurance premiums surge, forcing global logistics networks to urgently seek alternative routes around the volatile waterway.

Deepak C V from Karnataka has been honored with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, awarded by the Veyil Foundation, in recognition of his remarkable contributions to the fields of Education and Office Administration. This esteemed accolade celebrates individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and innovation in their respective fields, and Deepak C V’s achievements stand as a testament to his commitment to educational excellence. Deepak C V serves as the Director of Aspire Bee School in Bengaluru, where he has played a pivotal role in redefining modern educational practices and administrative efficiency. As the Founder of Aspire Bee School, he has consistently worked toward creating a progressive and student-centered learning environment that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking. Under his visionary leadership, Aspire Bee School has embraced innovative teaching methods that go beyond traditional classroom instruction. Deepak believes that education should empower students to actively participate in their learning process rather than remain passive recipients of information. His approach encourages students to explore ideas, develop problem-solving skills, and gain the confidence needed to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world. Deepak C V’s mission is centered on transforming education through holistic development. He strives to cultivate an atmosphere where academic learning is complemented by the growth of life skills, emotional intelligence, and social responsibility. By prioritizing well-rounded development, he aims to equip students with the tools necessary for both personal and professional success in the future. His unwavering dedication and forward-thinking approach have contributed significantly to the success and growth of Aspire Bee School, making it a beacon of progressive education in Bengaluru. Through his work, Deepak C V continues to inspire educators, students, and communities alike, reaffirming the vital role of innovative leadership in shaping the future of education. The recognition of Deepak C V with the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 stands as a proud moment for Karnataka and the broader educational community, celebrating a leader whose vision and efforts continue to transform the landscape of learning.

Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region Jyotiraditya Scindia has said that India is not only building networks for its 1.4 billion citizens but also building trusted digital bridges for the world. He said this while inaugurating the Bharat Pavilion at the Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona, Spain. Guided by the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, he said, India believes connectivity must empower humanity, strengthen partnerships, and create shared prosperity. On the occasion, Jyotiraditya Scindia said that as the world deliberates the future of connectivity in the IQ Era, India stands at the intersection of intelligence and infrastructure, where connectivity meets capability and innovation meets inclusion. He underlined that under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India’s telecom transformation has been anchored in indigenous research and development, trusted telecom ecosystems, production-linked incentives, and deep integration into global value chains. The Bharat Pavilion this year brings together over 40 Indian telecom innovators across the value chain, spanning 4G and 5G, emerging 6G technologies, Open RAN, optical and satellite communications, semiconductor design, AI-driven network intelligence, cybersecurity, telecom software and digital platforms. The expanded participation reflects growing global confidence in India’s telecom capabilities and its rapidly deepening innovation ecosystem. Jyotiraditya Scindia noted that the strong presence of Indian innovators at the Pavilion demonstrates India’s commitment to building secure networks, advancing AI-driven telecom infrastructure, promoting trusted ecosystems and expanding telecom exports worldwide.

Delhi Traffic Police has made elaborate arrangements to ensure smooth traffic management on the occasion of Holi in the national capital. Talking to the Media, Additional Commissioner of Police Dinesh Kumar Gupta said that police personnel will be deployed at around 134 major intersections from early morning till the evening. He said 79 joint pickets have been set up in coordination with local police; the teams equipped with Alcometers will conduct checks to curb drunk driving. Dinesh Kumar Gupta further added that there will be focus on wrong-side driving and police motorcycles will take action immediately.

The festival of colours, Holi is being celebrated throughout the country today. The festival signifies the victory of good over evil and marks the onset of the spring season. Holi gives the message of equality and fraternity as all sections of society, irrespective of caste, creed, colour, age, and sex, celebrate it with great enthusiasm. On this day, people smear each other with colours, exchange greetings and savour sweets on the occasion. Revellers hit the streets, dancing to the popular songs as children splash colour baloons to celebrate the festival.

French President Emmanuel Macron has ordered France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier to move from the Baltic Sea to the Mediterranean to help protect allied assets during the war in the Middle East. Macron said the Charles de Gaulle carrier will be escorted by frigates and its air wing. In a prerecorded speech on French TV, Macron added that Rafale fighter jets, air-defense systems and airborne radar systems have been deployed over the past few hours in the Middle East. France, the U.K. and Germany have previously said that they weren’t involved in the strikes on Iran by the United States and Israel that began late last week, but were prepared to take defensive action to destroy Iran’s capability to fire missiles and drones.

Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has called for an early and peaceful resolution of the Middle East conflict, warning that prolonged hostilities could hurt global and regional economies, including Sri Lanka’s. Addressing Parliament, he said disruptions to oil and gas supplies could impact Sri Lankans working abroad, tourism, remittances, shipping and aviation. The government, he added, is closely monitoring developments, with the Central Bank and Finance Ministry preparing assessments on the potential economic fallout. The President added that fuel reserves remain adequate for now, with diesel available for about 33 days and petrol for nearly 27 days, while fresh shipments are scheduled this month. He urged cooperation among the government, Parliament and citizens to manage possible short- and long-term challenges arising from the conflict.

We are proud to announce that Manohith K. L from the state of Keralam has been honored with the prestigious Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026, presented by the Veyil Foundation. This distinguished award recognizes outstanding contributions in the fields of education and environmental protection, celebrating individuals whose dedication brings lasting impact to their communities. Manohith K. L currently serves as the Headmaster of Government U.P. School, Cherayi, in Punnayurkulam, Thrissur. Through his visionary leadership, he has significantly strengthened the academic and cultural environment of the institution. By introducing innovative teaching methodologies, experiential learning practices, and student-centered programs, he has transformed the school into a dynamic space where young minds are encouraged to think critically and creatively. Beyond academics, Manohith has been a passionate advocate for environmental stewardship. Under his guidance, the school has actively engaged in sustainable initiatives such as tree planting drives, waste management awareness programs, eco-club activities, and community-based environmental campaigns. His efforts not only educate students about ecological responsibility but also inspire families and the broader community to adopt sustainable practices. His commitment to youth development extends beyond the classroom. Manohith has been deeply involved in the scouting movement and has received the Long Service Decoration Awards from The Kerala State Bharath Scouts & Guides Association in 2019 and 2025, recognizing ten and fifteen years of dedicated service respectively. These honors reflect his steadfast dedication to shaping disciplined, socially responsible, and service-minded young individuals. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 stands as a testament to Manohith K. L’s unwavering commitment to nurturing education and protecting the environment. Through his leadership, compassion, and forward-thinking vision, he continues to inspire students, educators, and community members alike. His journey exemplifies how passionate educators can drive meaningful change, proving that education and environmental consciousness together can build a brighter and more sustainable future.

The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar 2026 is set to unveil its winners on March 1, 2026, marking a significant occasion in the realm of recognition for outstanding contributions across various fields. Organized by the Veyil Foundation in collaboration with the Indian NGO Awards Council, this esteemed award celebrates individuals and organizations that have demonstrated exceptional excellence in a wide array of disciplines. From the arts and literature to sports, social work, and advancements in science and technology, the Rabindra Ratna Puraskar honors those who have made a meaningful impact in their respective areas. This prestigious accolade not only acknowledges achievements in traditional sectors like health and medicine, education, and business but also extends its reach to the realms of film, photography, research, and academics. The award serves as a beacon of inspiration, encouraging individuals to strive for excellence and contribute positively to society. The selection process is rigorous, ensuring that only the most deserving candidates are recognized for their hard work and dedication, thus maintaining the award's high standards and reputation. As the announcement date approaches, anticipation builds within the community of nominees and supporters alike. The Rabindra Ratna Puraskar stands as a testament to the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of India, fostering a spirit of innovation and creativity. It is a celebration not just of individual accomplishments but also of the collective progress that these achievements represent, reinforcing the importance of dedication and passion in driving societal advancement.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has moved the Delhi High Court challenging the acquittal of Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal, party leader Manish Sisodia and others in the corruption case related to the Delhi liquor policy case. The move comes hours after the trial court passed the order. The trial court acquitted all 23 accused persons in the case, including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and K Kavitha. The CBI has said that the trial court’s order has ignored several important aspects of the investigation and that the material has not been adequately considered. The excise policy was framed by the Delhi Government in 2021, which was later withdrawn after allegations of irregularities in implementation. Lieutenant-Governor Vinay Kumar Saxena had ordered a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation into the policy.