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.

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman announced that the company has reached an agreement with the U.S. Department of War to deploy its advanced AI models on the department’s classified network, marking a significant step in integrating commercial AI into military infrastructure. The deal includes core safety principles, such as bans on domestic mass surveillance and requirements for human oversight of force and autonomous weapons systems, which both sides agreed to embed in the contract. OpenAI plans to build technical safeguards and run the models on secure cloud systems, and has urged similar terms for other AI firms. This development comes amid tensions with rival AI company Anthropic over Pentagon AI use policies. (PC: AI)

A Bolivian Air Force C‑130 military cargo plane carrying newly printed banknotes crashed on Friday near El Alto, close to the capital La Paz, killing at least 15 people and injuring around 30 others, officials said. The aircraft veered off the runway during landing and struck several vehicles on a busy avenue, scattering currency across the crash site, footage showed. Police used tear gas and water hoses to disperse people attempting to collect the scattered banknotes, which were being transported for the Central Bank. El Alto International Airport temporarily suspended operations as rescue and investigation efforts continue. (PC: AFP)

Japan has pledged support for infrastructure and connectivity projects that will link Northeast India to the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean, Japanese Deputy Foreign Minister Horii Iwao said during the KIZUNA‑6 India–Japan Intellectual Conclave. He emphasised Tokyo’s commitment to boosting regional integration and development under the broader India–Japan strategic partnership, including encouraging private‑sector cooperation in economic and clean energy sectors. The initiative aims to strengthen transport and trade links from landlocked northeastern states toward maritime routes, enhancing economic opportunities and strategic ties in the Indo‑Pacific. Japan also stressed people‑to‑people cooperation and sustainable growth. 

The Taliban released videos showing attacks on Pakistani military positions following Islamabad’s airstrikes on Afghan territory. The footage highlights Taliban fighters targeting convoys and checkpoints in retaliation. Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly praised Pakistan’s Army Chief General Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for their handling of the escalating conflict, calling it a “strong response to cross-border aggression.” The exchange of strikes has heightened tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, raising concerns of broader regional instability. International observers urge both sides to pursue dialogue to prevent further civilian casualties and escalation.