Israel has multi-layered air defences against Iranian ballistic missiles, an umbrella it may need to lean on as the United States and Iran teeter toward potential military conflict that could draw Iranian attacks on Israeli territory.

• ARROW

The long-range Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors, developed by Israel with an Iranian missile threat in mind, are designed to engage incoming targets both in and outside the atmosphere respectively. They operate at an altitude that allows for safe dispersal of any non-conventional warheads.

State-owned Israel Aerospace Industries is the project’s main contractor while Boeing BA.N is involved in producing the interceptors.

• DAVID’S SLING

The mid-range David’s Sling system is designed to shoot down ballistic missiles fired from 100 km to 200 km (62-124 miles) away.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, on Friday, formally launched the distribution of land pattas to indigenous landless families across the State under Mission Basundhara 3.0 at a programme held at Deuri Beel in Dhemaji.

According to the release, during the event, digital land pattas and allotment letters were also distributed to various public institutions. The Chief Minister further initiated the land settlement process in previously un-surveyed (NC) villages where surveys have been completed under the SVAMITVA scheme.

Further, under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, forest land rights were granted to 538 individuals residing in the Subansiri and Jiadhal Reserved Forests, said the release.

A programme will be organized on 26 February 2026 at Gandhi Prekshagrih, Gandhi Stadium, Near Jeevan Rekha, Nakhasa, Pilibhit (Uttar Pradesh) for the promotion and awareness of the National Action for Mechanized Sanitation Ecosystem (NAMASTE) Scheme, launched by the Government of India.

During the programme, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and Ayushman Cards will be distributed to Sewer and Septic Tank Workers (SSWs) and waste pickers to ensure their safety, health, and social security.

Additionally, beneficiaries who have received skill development training will also be provided with sewing machines to support their livelihood and promote economic empowerment.

The programme aims to create awareness about the NAMASTE Scheme, which focuses on ensuring dignity, safety, and social security for sanitation workers, while strengthening them socially and economically. The event will stand as a testimony to the Government’s commitment to the principle of “priority to the deprived”, ensuring that those who have historically been marginalized or overlooked receive the support and assistance they rightfully deserve.

The Ministry of Ayush has invited applications for the Prime Minister’s Awards for Yoga 2026, which aims to inspire broader participation, innovation and leadership in the field. The Ministry of Ayush informed us that the award will be given in two categories: Individuals and Institutions. Each awardee will receive a trophy, a certificate and a cash award of 25 lakh rupees. Ministry informed us that this award will recognise exemplary contributions toward the development andpromotion of Yoga at both National and International levels. It added that the last date for submission of applications is the 21st of next month. Eligible individuals and institutions can apply through the National Awards Portal.

Shri Somanna said the book is a rich visual and narrative tribute to one of Indian Railways’ most impactful cultural and spiritual tourism initiatives. He said the book beautifully captures the spirit, vision, and collective effort behind a pioneering model that seamlessly integrates faith, culture, heritage, and modern rail infrastructure. He added, the remarkable initiative was conceptualised and driven by Dr. Anup Dayanand, IRTS (Retd.).

Shri Somanna said it is historic that under the Bharat Gaurav Scheme, more than 30,000 devotees from Karnataka have fulfilled their lifelong dream of visiting Kashi and other sacred destinations at an affordable cost.

The book vividly showcases the train as a “moving gallery of India,” detailing its thoughtfully designed coaches, onboard amenities, curated spiritual circuits, and end-to-end passenger experience. Special focus is given to how comfort, accessibility, and affordability were prioritised, particularly for senior citizens and first-time pilgrims through policy support and state subsidies. At its core, the book chronicles the conception, evolution, and successful execution of the Karnataka Bharat Gaurav Train under the Bharat Gaurav Policy.

The Union Health Ministry is set to launch a nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination programme targeting girls aged 14 years. The vaccination will be voluntary and free of cost, ensuring equitable access across socio-economic groups.

India will use Gardasil, a quadrivalent HPV vaccine, for protection from HPV types 16 and 18, which cause cervical cancer, as well as types 6 and 11. “Global and Indian scientific evidence confirms that a single dose provides robust and durable protection when administered to girls in the recommended age group,’’ a senior Health Ministry official said.

“The nationwide programme will target girls aged 14 years, an age at which the HPV vaccine offers maximum preventive benefit, well before potential exposure to the virus,” the official said.

A World Bank report warned of a “shockingly large” gap between legislation promoting gender equality and its enforcement, with no country currently ensuring all the legal rights required for women’s full economic participation.

The annual report, released on Tuesday, emphasized that while many nations have made progress on laws that advance women’s economic rights, weak enforcement systems and institutional shortcomings have hindered their real-world impact.

“There is a shockingly large gap between the two,” the report stated, referring to the divide between gender-equal legislation and the mechanisms needed to enforce those laws effectively.

Artisan Beats (born Seo Jae-min), the first-generation hip-hop producer, has passed away. He was 47 at the time of his death. He was known for shaping the Korean hip-hop scene and also contributed to the country’s underground rap movement.

According to the music industry, Artisan Beats died on February 17, per Allkpop. Rappers AJ and Minos, who had worked alongside him during the Master Plan Allstarz, shared tributes on their social media handles. The cause of Artisan Beats' death is not known yet.

AJ penned an emotional tribute as he wrote, “Jaemin, thank you for hanging out with me for 30 years. Rest comfortably now.” Minos expressed grief, writing, “I hope you rest in peace.”

On February 24, hip-hop crew Bulhandang shared a notice on its official Facebook page announcing Artisan Beats’ demise, with hip-hop fans offering condolences to the producer.

Young adults in India, aged 18 to 34, rank 60th globally in mental health and well-being, according to the Global Mind Health 2025 report covering 84 countries. They have a Mind Health Quotient (MHQ) score of 33. In contrast, Indians aged 55 and above score 96, ranking 49th globally and aligning more closely with functional norms of mental health.

The findings, part of Sapien Labs’ Global Mind Project, are based on responses from 78,093 internet-enabled, literate individuals in India — including 29,594 in the 18–34 age group and 24,088 aged 55 and above. Globally, the study draws on data from over a million respondents across 84 countries in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas. Researchers say the results reflect a structural, multi-year generational shift rather than a temporary post-pandemic effect.

Germany and India have reinforced their commitment to enhancing adaptation and resilience during a high-level Climate Talk held in New Delhi.

Jochen Flasbarth, State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Environment, Climate Action, Nature Conservation, and Nuclear Safety (BMUKN), announced a new Large Grant project for India, which has a funding volume of up to EUR 20 million under the International Climate Initiative (IKI).

The project aims to improve resilience in high-risk ecosystems across priority regions, including the Himalayas, island areas, the Western Ghats, the North-East, and the Lower Gangetic floodplains. This initiative will support ecosystem-based approaches (EbA) such as forest restoration, enhancing biodiversity corridors, flood and erosion control, groundwater recharge, and community-led natural resource management.