“DEFENCE”

India–US Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Vajra Prahar’ Begins in Himachal Pradesh

The 16th edition of the India–US Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Vajra Prahar’ is set to be conducted at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, in Himachal Pradesh from 24 February to 16 March 2026. The exercise will witness participation from the Indian Army and the United States Army, strengthening defence ties between the two nations. The Indian Army contingent comprises 45 personnel from Special Forces units. The United States will be represented by 12 personnel from the Green Berets.

India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ Begins in Uttarakhand

The 7th edition of the India–Japan Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ has commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Chaubattia, Uttarakhand. The exercise will be conducted from 24 February to 9 March 2026. The annual drill is held between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), reinforcing defence cooperation between the two countries. The JGSDF contingent is represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment. The Indian Army contingent is drawn from the Ladakh Scouts.

Indian Army Conducts Successful Strela-10 VSHORADS Test Firing at Pokhran

The Air Defence Warriors of the Blazing Skies Brigade under the Indian Army’s Konark Corps successfully carried out a high-intensity test firing of the Strela-10 Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Range. The live exercise was conducted in Rajasthan’s desert sector and demonstrated strong combat readiness and operational precision in countering low-altitude aerial threats. The Strela-10 missile, launched from a BMP-based mobile platform, successfully achieved direct hits on simulated enemy aerial targets.

“APPOINTMENTS”

Slice Small Finance Bank Appoints Rajan Bajaj as MD & CEO

Slice Small Finance Bank has appointed its founder Rajan Bajaj as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The appointment has been approved by the bank’s board, shareholders, and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), reflecting strong confidence in Bajaj’s leadership and digital-first vision.

Peru Elects Jose Maria Balcazar as Interim President, Eighth Leader in a Decade

Peruvian lawmakers have elected Jose Maria Balcazar as the country’s new interim President after former leader Jose Jeri was impeached over graft allegations. The decision was taken by Peru’s Congress in a vote broadcast live on television. As head of Congress, Balcazar automatically assumes the role of interim President.

“NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL NEWS”

National Arogya Fair 2026 to Be Held in Shegaon, Maharashtra

The Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, in collaboration with the All India Ayurvedic Congress, will organise the four-day National Arogya Fair 2026 from 25 to 28 February 2026 at Shegaon in Buldhana district, Maharashtra. The event will be inaugurated by President Droupadi Murmu on 25 February 2026 at Visava Maidan, Sant Gajanan Maharaj Sansthan, Shegaon. The programme will also be attended by the Governor of Maharashtra and Union Minister of Ayush Prataprao Jadhav, along with senior officials.

Union Cabinet Approves Proposal to Rename Kerala as “Keralam”

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the proposal to change the name of the State of “Kerala” to “Keralam”. The decision follows a resolution passed by the Kerala Legislative Assembly on June 24, 2024, requesting the Centre to take steps under Article 3 of the Constitution to officially alter the State’s name.