France Rolls Out New 10-Month Voluntary Military Service as Europe Reconfigures Defence Models

France has announced a 10-month voluntary military service programme, set to begin next summer, signalling a renewed focus on defence preparedness across Europe. The initiative follows years of debate on restoring national service after conscription was suspended in 1997. With geopolitical tensions rising, particularly due to Russia’s expanding military influence, many European nations are re-evaluating their defence structures through both mandatory and voluntary service models.

Law Commission Endorses Parliament’s Power to Change Legislature Terms for Synchronised Elections

In a significant development for the ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal, the Law Commission has informed the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) that Parliament is constitutionally empowered to alter the tenure of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, provided the change is enacted through a constitutional amendment. This opinion forms a key legal foundation for the government’s push to hold simultaneous elections across the country.

Baba Kalyani Wins Indian of the Year 2025 in Business for Transforming Defence Manufacturing

Industry veteran Baba Kalyani, Chairman and Managing Director of Bharat Forge, has been named Indian of the Year 2025 in the Business category, marking national recognition of his contribution to shaping India’s modern defence production landscape. His work is widely credited with strengthening indigenous capability, boosting exports, and positioning India as a competitive global supplier of artillery systems and forged components.

Chef Vijay Kumar Crowned Global Indian of the Year 2025

Renowned Tamil-origin chef Vijay Kumar has been named Global Indian of the Year 2025 at the CNN–News18 Indian of the Year ceremony, further cementing his status as one of the world’s most influential culinary voices. The award comes at a time when South Indian cuisine is experiencing unprecedented international recognition, propelled in part by Kumar’s creative revival of traditional Tamil flavours.

Assam Grants Land Ownership to Tea Garden Workers Under Historic Amendment

In a major legislative breakthrough, Assam has officially approved an amendment guaranteeing land ownership rights to tea garden labourers, ending generations of uncertainty surrounding residential land in plantation areas. The move is being hailed as one of the most transformative welfare interventions for the tea workforce since the colonial era.