Why is it in the news?
→ Indian Army celebrated 78th Army Day on 15 January 2026 with a historic parade in Jaipur.
→ Marked focus on digital, data-centric and technology-driven warfare.
Category: Defence
Important Points
- Commemorates 15 Jan 1949 when Field Marshal KM Cariappa became first Indian Commander-in-Chief.
- 2026 parade held in Jaipur; first outside cantonment; fourth outside Delhi (after Bengaluru, Lucknow, Pune).
- Theme: “Year of Networking and Data Centricity”.
- Showcased indigenous systems: T-90, Arjun, K-9 Vajra, Dhanush, ATAGS, BrahMos, Pinaka, drones (Prabal, Switch, Baaz).
- Debut of Bhairav Battalion contingents.
- Indian Army strength ~1.4 million active personnel.
- Cultural displays included Kalbelia, Gair, Chenda, Kalaripayattu, Malkhamb.
- The President of India is the Supreme Commander of Armed Forces.