🇫🇷 1) France Announces Introduction of Compulsory Military Service

Announcement By:

French Government

Key Decision:

France will reintroduce compulsory military service for its youth, marking the return of national conscription after decades.

Background:

• France had abolished mandatory military service in 1997.
• Rising geopolitical tensions in Europe — especially due to the Russia–Ukraine conflict — have pushed NATO nations to strengthen defence readiness.

Purpose of the Move:

• Improve national security
• Expand France’s trained reserve force
• Strengthen civic responsibility and national unity

Global Context:

Europe is witnessing renewed interest in national service policies due to security concerns.

🇮🇳🇲🇻 2) Joint Military Exercise “Ekuverin” (14th Edition) to Begin in Kerala

Meaning:

“Ekuverin” means “Friends” in Dhivehi (Maldivian language).

Participants:

Indian Army & Maldives National Defence Force (MNDF)

Venue:

Kerala, India

Focus Areas:

• Counter-terrorism
• Maritime security cooperation
• Joint tactical operations
• Humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR)

Significance:

Strengthens India–Maldives defence partnership despite regional geopolitical shifts.

🇮🇹 3) Italy’s Leonardo Launches AI-Powered ‘Michelangelo Dome’ Air Defence System

Company:

Leonardo, Italy’s major aerospace & defence manufacturer.

System Name:

Michelangelo Dome

Type:

Next-generation AI-integrated air defence system

Features:

• Multi-sensor fusion
• AI-based threat detection
• Protection against:
• Drones
• Missiles
• Fighter aircraft
• Hypersonic projectiles

Significance:

Strengthens Europe’s defence shield, especially amid growing security concerns across NATO states.

🚇 4) Riyadh Metro Enters Guinness World Records as World’s Longest Driverless Network

Location:

Saudi Arabia – Riyadh

Record:

World’s longest driverless metro network

Length:

176 km

Features:

• Fully automated system
• High-speed transit
• Part of Vision 2030 urban modernization plan

Importance:

A major step in Saudi Arabia’s plan for:

• Smart mobility
• Reducing car dependency
• Urban sustainability

🥇 5) India Achieves 8th Rank at WorldSkills Asia Competition 2025

Event:

WorldSkills Asia Competition 2025

India’s Rank:

8th overall

Skills India Performed Well In:

• Mechatronics
• Cybersecurity
• Robotics
• CNC machining
• Graphic design

Importance:

Reflects India’s rising capability in:

• Technical vocational education
• Skill-based workforce development
• Global competitiveness in new-age skills

🏆 6) Armand Duplantis & Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone Win World Athletics Athletes of the Year 2025

Winners:

• Armand Duplantis (Sweden) – Men’s Athlete of the Year
• World record pole vaulter
• Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (USA) – Women’s Athlete of the Year
• Dominant in 400m hurdles & 400m sprint

Significance:

Recognizes top global performers in track & field for the 2025 season.