An Israeli airstrike hit a building in Beirut’s Kola district early Monday, killing 4 people, including three leaders of the Palestinian militant group, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). This marks the first time Israel has struck a residential area in Beirut since the conflict escalated. Lebanese officials confirmed that 105 people were killed across the country in the past 24 hours. Israel’s attacks also targeted areas in southern Lebanon and Yemen, amid rising tensions after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s assassination by Israeli forces. Lebanon’s Prime Minister urged a diplomatic solution.

After the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike, his cousin Hashem Safieddine is expected to take over. Safieddine, who heads Hezbollah’s executive council, oversees the group’s political affairs. He is known for his strong anti-Israel stance and has long been groomed for leadership. While some reports suggested he was also killed in the strikes, Hezbollah confirmed he survived. His rise comes during escalating tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, following Nasrallah’s death and the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Safieddine’s leadership could bring new challenges to the region.

France has submitted its final price offer to India for the purchase of 26 Rafale Marine jets. This comes just before Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval’s visit to France. After tough negotiations, a significant price reduction was achieved. The jets will be deployed on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier. India and France have also discussed integrating indigenous weapons, like Astra missiles, and the Uttam radar. The deal, important for the Indian Navy’s maritime strength, will be finalized during the India-France Strategic Dialogue. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the financial year.

Israel continued its airstrikes in Lebanon, killing 105 people on Sunday, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. The strikes follow Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah two days earlier. Among those killed was Nabil Kaouk, a senior Hezbollah commander. The attacks hit areas near Sidon, Beirut, and other parts of the country. Israel also targeted Houthi positions in Yemen after missile attacks on Israel. The ongoing conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, with over 1,000 deaths and hundreds of thousands displaced in just two weeks of fighting.

The SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule, part of the Crew-9 mission, docked at the International Space Station (ISS) to rescue NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore. The astronauts were stranded since June after issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft. Initially scheduled for a short stay, Williams and Wilmore will now return to Earth in late February. The Crew Dragon brought NASA’s Nick Hague and Russian cosmonaut Alexander Gorbunov to the ISS. Williams, now the ISS commander, welcomed the new arrivals. Their extended mission has included maintenance and scientific research on the station.

Lebanon's head of emergency disaster management, Nasser Yassin, warned the country is on the brink of a "catastrophic humanitarian situation," as the number of displaced people surged from 300,000 to nearly one million in hours. Despite hundreds of shelters being opened, Lebanon faces an unprecedented crisis, burdened by its 4 million residents, 1.5 million Syrian refugees, and 250,000 Palestinian refugees. Yassin criticized Israel’s aggressive tactics, including posting warnings on X before airstrikes. Israel claims it is targeting Hezbollah militants in response to rocket attacks on its northern regions, which have also displaced Israeli residents.

Hurricane Helene left widespread destruction in North Carolina and four other southeastern US states, killing over 60 people. North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper described the damage as "catastrophic" with homes destroyed, roads closed, and entire towns cut off. At least 11 people died in North Carolina, where flooding and mudslides have overwhelmed the region. Around 1,000 people remain unaccounted for in Buncombe County. Rescue operations continue, with supplies being airlifted to isolated areas. Over 300,000 North Carolinians are without power. The damage across all affected states is estimated at $95-$110 billion, and the death toll is expected to rise.

On Sunday, Israel launched airstrikes targeting critical infrastructure of Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, following a missile attack on Tel Aviv. The Israeli military confirmed that fighter jets, refueling planes, and reconnaissance aircraft were involved in the operation, which targeted military assets in Ras Issa and Hodeida. The missile fired by the Houthis was aimed at Ben Gurion International Airport, coinciding with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s return from the UN General Assembly. The escalation comes after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli forces, further heightening tensions in the Middle East.

At IIFA 2024, Shah Rukh Khan won the Best Actor award for his performance in Jawan. During his acceptance speech, he referenced the difficult period surrounding his son Aryan Khan's 2021 arrest in a drug case, for which Aryan was later acquitted. Shah Rukh humorously thanked his wife Gauri, who supported him financially during the film's production. Hosting the event alongside Vicky Kaushal and Karan Johar, Shah Rukh also requested Animal director Sandeep Reddy Vanga for a film like Pushpa. The night saw the superstar performing Oo Antava with Vicky, delighting the audience.

Lebanon is enduring its "worst moment," according to Beirut Governor Marwan Abboud, following the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli air strikes. The attacks, which have caused mass civilian casualties, included devastating bunker-busting bombs in Beirut. Families, such as Madina Mustafa Ali and her seven-month-old baby Amir, are now displaced and seeking refuge in Beirut’s Martyrs Square. Abboud expressed shock at the lack of international response, saying, "It's as if what’s happening here does not mean anything." As a three-day mourning period begins, Lebanon faces escalating tensions, with fears of Hezbollah retaliation and potential Iranian intervention.