Escalating Conflict Between Hezbollah and Israel: Nasrallah Alive but Communication Severed After Israeli Airstrikes

The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified following Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations General Assembly. The strikes, targeting Hezbollah’s headquarters, were claimed to be part of Israel’s efforts to weaken Hezbollah’s capabilities. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), 60 rocket bunkers were used to target top Hezbollah commanders.

While Israeli officials stated it is too early to confirm whether Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was killed in the attack, speculation grew after no immediate statement was made by Nasrallah. Reports suggest that his daughter and brother Hashim may have died in the strikes. However, Hezbollah sources, along with Iran's Tasnim news agency, claimed that Nasrallah is alive, though communication has been severed since the attack.

Hezbollah’s leader, Nasrallah, has led the organization since 1992, becoming the face of resistance against Israel in Lebanon. Previously, his predecessor, Sayyid Abbas al-Musawi, was assassinated by Israeli forces. Hezbollah, founded in 1982 by Iran's Revolutionary Guards, has since gained prominence with Nasrallah as its leader.

An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, emphasized that the strikes were necessary to reduce Hezbollah’s missile capabilities, amassed over three decades with Iran’s support. Israeli forces claim to have destroyed half of Hezbollah’s missile arsenal within hours. The official defended Israel’s actions, stating that weakening Hezbollah is essential for Israel’s survival and the safety of its citizens.

With around 44 million students expected to appear in the upcoming CBSE Board Exams, the board has ramped up efforts to ensure a secure and transparent examination process. Official orders have been issued to all affiliated schools to install CCTV cameras in every examination hall. These cameras are intended to monitor the exams in real-time, prevent cheating, and maintain strict discipline.

Exams will begin on February 15, 2025, and only classrooms with functioning CCTV cameras will be considered as valid examination centers. Schools without the required surveillance equipment will be disqualified as exam venues. Furthermore, all footage from the exams will be securely stored for at least two months post-result declaration and can only be accessed by authorized personnel.

To further enhance security, the CBSE has instructed schools to install high-resolution cameras with advanced features such as pan, tilt, and zoom, allowing for comprehensive monitoring of students. The board expects schools to comply with these directives well in advance of the examination dates.

In addition to these measures, the CBSE is expected to release the official exam timetable in December 2024, while a separate timetable for practical exams will also be made available on the board’s website.

These actions reflect the board's commitment to transparency and fairness, ensuring the integrity of the examination process for students across India.