NEW DELHI: The Indian Army is engaged in a slew of military exercises with the US and Japanese defence forces simultaneously to enhance interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics.A US army contingent is currently in India to participate in 16th edition of the India-US Joint Special Forces Exercise Vajra Prahar, being conducted at the Special Forces Training School, Bakloh, Himachal Pradesh. The Indian Army contingent, represented by Special Forces units, comprises 45 personnel, while the US will be represented by 12 personnel from the Green Berets of the US Special Forces.The previous edition of the exercise was held at the Orchard Combat Training Centre in Idaho, US, in Nov 2024.

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The aim of Vajra Prahar is to promote military cooperation between India and the US through enhanced interoperability, jointness and mutual exchange of special operations tactics. The exercise is designed to strengthen combined capabilities for conducting joint Special Forces operations in mountainous terrain. The training will focus on a high degree of physical conditioning, joint mission planning and the execution of joint tactical drills.The 7th edition of the annual Joint Military Exercise ‘Dharma Guardian’ between the Indian Army and the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) commenced on Tuesday at the Foreign Training Node, Chaubattia in Uttarakhand. The exercise will be conducted from Feb 24 to March 9. This edition brings together a 120-member contingent from each side, with the JGSDF represented by troops from the 32nd Infantry Regiment and the Indian Army contingent drawn from the Ladakh Scouts.In another military drill, the Indian Army conducted Exercise Agni Varsha at the Pokhran field firing ranges on Tuesday to validate operational preparedness and integrated combat capabilities in the desert sector. The exercise integrated advanced technologies, including unmanned aerial systems, counter-drone capabilities, precision strike rockets, modern artillery platforms and networked surveillance systems. The Integrated Manoeuvre Force comprised Main Battle Tanks (T-90), Infantry Combat Vehicles, K-9 Vajra, Sharang and Bofors artillery systems, rocket platforms, indigenous ALH Weapon System Integrated helicopters, Apache attack helicopters and a range of surveillance and strike drones, the release noted.

Heartwarming Video of Sheikh Hamdan and His Son Is Breaking the Internet

Dubai’s Crown Prince, Hamdan bin Mohammed Al Maktoum, widely known as Fazza, recently celebrated a deeply personal milestone that captured hearts across the UAE and beyond: the third birthday of his son, Mohammed. Rather than a simple photo or brief family moment, Sheikh Hamdan chose to share a touching video montage that chronicled his son’s journey from infancy to toddlerhood, blending private joy with a public tribute that quickly resonated with millions online.Shared on his Instagram account, which boasts over 17 million followers, the montage uses soft light, intimate clips and family memories to create a narrative unlike typical social-media birthday posts. It begins with the early fragility of newborn life, transitions into lively toddler moments and ends with tender interactions between Mohammed and his extended royal family, including a touching clip of Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, embracing his grandson.

From tiny feet to toddler wonder: Sheikh Hamdan’s montage that stirred the Internet

What makes this birthday video stand out is not just that it documents a child growing up but how it tells the story. Through carefully selected moments of tiny hands grasping, first footsteps, soft smiles and family embraces, the montage becomes a powerful reminder of time’s passage and the universal experience of watching a child grow. While many celebrities post birthday photos, Sheikh Hamdan’s choice of a “journey through time” video signalled a deeper emotional thread that has captivated followers well beyond the UAE.This is not the Crown Prince’s first heartfelt family post on social media. In past years, he has shared affectionate birthday tributes for his twins, Sheikha and Rashid, marking their birthdays with adorable videos and photos that drew applause from followers but this latest tribute took that personal storytelling to a new level by blending royal family life with artistic expression in a way that felt deeply human. For many viewers, it was a rare glimpse into the intimate life of one of the Middle East’s most public figures.Sheikh Hamdan is a celebrated poet, adventurer and social-media personality who consistently uses his platform to highlight both personal life and societal initiatives and this birthday post fits perfectly with that pattern. The video allowed many followers to see him not only as a business leader and government figure but as a father and a family man, sharing the same pride and wonder any parent feels watching their child grow up. That universal theme helped make the video go viral, sparking comments, likes, and shares from Dubai residents, UAE nationals and international audiences alike.

Sheikh Hamdan’s digital storytelling as cultural expression

Social media has become a space where leaders shape narratives about identity, values and society. Sheikh Hamdan’s birthday post was not just a series of cute clips, it was a crafted story that conveyed something universal: the beauty of life’s fleeting moments. In a world saturated with snapshots, full montage videos like this stand out for their emotional depth and cinematic quality.The way the video was constructed with light, pacing and thematic continuity made it feel almost like a personal documentary, something that resonates deeply in today’s digital culture of storytelling and shared experiences. In the Gulf and across the Middle East, leaders are increasingly using digital platforms to connect with the public on a personal level by sharing moments that humanise their profiles and forge deeper bonds with communities. Sheikh Hamdan’s Instagram account, for instance, regularly features snapshots from his hobbies (such as equestrian pursuits, adventure sports and poetry), public service engagements and personal milestones.This blend of lifestyle, personal narrative and official messaging reflects a modern form of leadership communication that resonates strongly with younger demographics, especially those who engage heavily on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. The Mohammed birthday video, with its emotional narrative arc and artistic style, fits exactly into this new era of relatable leadership storytelling.

Who is Mohammed and what’s next for the young prince?

Baby Mohammed was born on February 25, 2023 and his birth was announced by Sheikh Hamdan through a heartfelt Instagram Story that featured a touching image of tiny feet cradled in loving hands. The post instantly drew congratulations and warm wishes from followers. He is the third child of Sheikh Hamdan and his wife, Sheikha Shaikha bint Saeed Al Maktoum, the younger sibling to twins Rashid and Sheikha, born in May 2021 and the older sibling to a younger sister, Sheikha Hind, born in March 2025.Growing up in one of the UAE’s most prominent families, Mohammed will undoubtedly attract public interest as he ages but this early birthday tribute underscores not only his cherished place in the family but also the affection and cultural pride his father places on family life, heritage and continuity.While his birthday video celebrates a specific milestone, it also offers a larger commentary on the nature of time, family and memory. In digital storytelling, we are often reminded of how quickly children grow and how fleeting early years can be. It is a message that many parents, regardless of background or culture, deeply connect with. By framing his son’s third birthday as a “journey through time,” Sheikh Hamdan elevated a personal moment into a shared reflection on love, family bonds and life’s rhythm, inviting audiences around the world to pause, remember and appreciate what truly matters.Sheikh Hamdan marked his son Mohammed’s third birthday with a heartfelt Instagram video montage that went viral online. The video captured Mohammed’s growth from newborn to lively toddler, with touching family moments including his grandfather, the UAE Ruler. The emotional storytelling instantly went viral as it resonated globally by blending personal family joy with digital culture and relatability and reflects a modern trend of leaders engaging audiences through personal narrative and digital multimedia.

US Vice President JD Vance on Wednesday said, “You can’t let the craziest and the worst regime in the world have nuclear weapons,” asserting that the Trump administration is determined to stop Iran from acquiring nuclear capability while maintaining that President Donald Trump still prefers a diplomatic solution.In an interview with Fox News, Vance said President Donald Trump was seeking a diplomatic resolution even as negotiations with Tehran continue.

“And it’s very simple. I think most Americans understand that you can’t let the craziest and worst regime in the world have nuclear weapons. That’s what the president is accomplishing. That’s what the president has set as our goal. He’s going to try to accomplish it diplomatically. But as we all know, Bill, the president has a number of other tools at his disposal to ensure this doesn’t happen. He’s shown a willingness to use them, and I hope the Iranians take it seriously in their negotiations tomorrow, because that’s certainly what the president prefers.“Vance also said, “We have to get to a position where Iran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism in the world, cannot threaten the world with nuclear terrorism.”He added separately, “You can’t let the craziest and the worst regime in the world have nuclear weapons.”His remarks come days after he said Iran had not yet accepted all of Trump’s “red lines” following a second round of talks in Geneva, Switzerland. At the time, Vance said the discussions had produced mixed results, noting that while both sides agreed to continue talks, Tehran was not prepared to acknowledge key US demands.The negotiations, mediated by Oman, are aimed at averting potential US military action over Iran’s nuclear programme. Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi said after the Geneva meeting that Tehran and Washington had reached agreement on “guiding principles” for a possible deal, though he cautioned that narrowing differences would take time.For years, Iran has sought relief from sweeping US sanctions, including restrictions on its oil exports, as part of any broader agreement with Washington.

NEW DELHI: A suspected bomb was reported on railway tracks about 1.5 kilometres from Sainthia railway station in West Bengal’s Birbhum district on Wednesday, triggering a swift response from security agencies and leading to a temporary halt in train movement on one track.As per news agency ANI, Personnel from the Railway Protection Force (RPF) and Government Railway Police (GRP) rushed to the spot following the alert.Train operations on one of the lines have been stopped as a precautionary measure. Further details are awaited.Authorities have not yet confirmed the nature of the object or whether any explosive material has been recovered.

Recent spate of bomb threats in region

The development comes against the backdrop of multiple bomb threats reported in the region over the past two days.According to news agency PTI, at least three lower courts in West Bengal and Jharkhand received bomb threats on Wednesday, prompting evacuations and search operations. District courts in Asansol and Suri in West Bengal and the civil court in Dhanbad, Jharkhand, were targeted through emails, officials said.“Police teams and bomb squads reached the court premises and search operations are still underway. So far, nothing suspicious has been recovered,” a senior West Bengal police officer said, as quoted by PTI.Naushad Alam, DSP (Law & Order) of Dhanbad, said, “The court premises were thoroughly searched, but so far, no explosive material has been found. Security has been tightened in and around the courts.”On Tuesday as well, at least six courts across West Bengal received bomb threats that later turned out to be hoaxes, reported PTI. Cyber crime cells, in coordination with police, are trying to trace the source of the emails, officials said.It is not yet clear whether the reported bomb on the railway tracks near Sainthia station is linked to the recent threats. Authorities are continuing their investigation.

‘The Kerala Story 2’ has been in the midst of controversy and now The Kerala High Court has ordered the makers to refrain from releasing its rights until the court rules on petitions contesting the movie’s certification.During the proceedings, the bench said that the concerns flagged by the petitioners appeared “probably genuine” and instructed the producers to pause the scheduled release of the film’s rights. “Do not release the rights for the movie tomorrow. Wait for the hearing to conclude and for the court to decide on the petitions,” the bench said, according to India Today.

The court also raised questions for the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) regarding the classification granted to the film. “You have not even given an ‘A’ certificate to the film. You’ve given U/A,” the bench remarked, expressing surprise at the certification decision. It further observed that the filmmakers themselves did not appear eager to screen the film immediately and pointed out that there was insufficient time to scrutinise the matter thoroughly.Representing the CBFC, counsel argued that the use of names of Indian states and cities in film titles is not unprecedented. To support the argument, examples such as Go Goa Gone, Once Upon a Time in Mumbaai and Delhi Belly were cited to counter objections surrounding the film’s title.On behalf of the producers, counsel maintained that the film focuses on the experiences of women survivors and that the petition ventures beyond the film’s actual content. “The main question is not about the movie, but whether this is a petition filed by an aggrieved party, a public interest petition, or something else,” the counsel submitted.They further contended that the remedy being sought — a writ to nullify the certification — lacks legal basis. “Kerala is also a part of India. We cannot isolate Kerala from India. What is being sought is something unknown to the law,” the counsel argued. Addressing claims about the state’s reputation, the court was told, “There is no question of ‘dignity of Kerala’; it is the dignity of India.”After hearing preliminary arguments from both sides, the bench recorded the assurance given by the filmmakers’ counsel that they would hold off on releasing the film until the court delivers its verdict.With submissions still incomplete, the matter was adjourned and will resume tomorrow.‘The Kerala Story 2’, directed by Kamakhya Narayan Singh and produced by Vipul Amrutlal Shah, has sparked renewed controversy reminiscent of the backlash faced by its predecessor. The film alleges that young Hindu women are enticed into interfaith marriages, subjected to abuse, deprived of their rights, and compelled to convert to Islam.

Chinese President Xi Jinping, second from right meets with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, second left, at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in Beijing, China (Picture credit: AP)

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday called for closer cooperation with China while pressing for fairer trade rules and urging Beijing to use its influence to help end the war in Ukraine.Merz, on his first trip to China since taking office in May last year, met Premier Li Qiang and later President Xi Jinping in Beijing during a two-day visit aimed at strengthening ties with Germany’s largest trading partner even as Berlin views Beijing as a systemic rival.“We have a few issues that we need to talk about today in the course of my visit,” Merz told Li, according to news agency AP. “But I think there is also great potential for further growth of both our economies.” He added that collaboration should continue “wherever possible.”Xi told Merz he was willing to take bilateral relations to “new levels” and stressed that he “always attached great importance to Sino-German relations,” reported news agency AFP. Merz described the trip as a “great opportunity” to boost economic ties and said he hoped joint intergovernmental consultations, paused due to political changes and the pandemic, would resume “very soon.”

Pressing China on Ukraine

Merz indicated before landing in Beijing that he would seek China’s assistance in bringing about an end to Russia’s four-year-old war in Ukraine.He stressed that despite differences, “the big global political problems can no longer be tackled today without involving Beijing,” noting that “Beijing’s voice is heard, including in Moscow.”Many European governments have expressed frustration that China has not done more to pressure Russia. Beijing has maintained close diplomatic and trade ties with Moscow and says its stance on the conflict is impartial.Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said earlier this week, “We hope all parties will seize the opportunity to reach a comprehensive, lasting and binding peace agreement”.

Trade tensions and tariffs backdrop

Merz’s visit comes amid global economic uncertainty triggered by US President Donald Trump’s tariffs and demands that allies shoulder more responsibility for their own security.China has sought to rally support from other nations to push back against what it sees as rising unilateralism and protectionism. In an apparent reference to the United States, Li said that “unilateralism and protectionism have gained ground and even become prevalent in some countries and regions,” adding that China and Germany should “jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade”.Merz emphasised that Germany’s China policy must be framed within a broader European approach. “Our message from a European point of view is the same: We want a balanced, reliable, regulated and fair partnership with China,” he said, according to AP. “This is our offer. At the same time, it is what we also hope for and expect from the Chinese side.”

Trade imbalance and overcapacity concerns

Economic imbalances remain a key sticking point. According to AP, Germany’s imports from China rose 8.8 per cent to €170.6 billion ($201 billion) last year, while exports to China fell 9.7 per cent to €81.3 billion ($96 billion).Germany’s trade deficit with China hit a record €89 billion ($105 billion) last year.European leaders, including Merz, are seeking improved market access for their companies and reductions in what they describe as systemic overcapacity in sectors such as electric vehicles and solar panels. “We also want to discuss how we can find a remedy, for example, where systemic overcapacities have arisen, where there are export restrictions and where there are access restrictions … that distort and prevent competition,” Merz said.German industry representatives have urged Merz to address “overcapacity, distortions of competition, and export controls on critical raw materials,” AFP reported, warning of potential new trade conflicts with the European Union if structural reforms are not undertaken.

Strategic rivalry amid economic interdependence

While China overtook the United States to become Germany’s biggest trade partner last year, Berlin also views Beijing as a strategic and systemic rival.Merz acknowledged before departure that China “claims the right to define a new multilateral order according to its own rules,” cautioning against illusions even as he stressed the need for global economic ties.The chancellor is accompanied by a large business delegation, including executives from major German automakers and industrial firms, underscoring the economic stakes of the visit.