India Plans Major Liberalisation of Defence FDI Norms to Attract Global Manufacturers

India is set to undertake a significant liberalisation of foreign direct investment (FDI) norms in the defence sector, aiming to attract global manufacturers, strengthen domestic production, and reduce reliance on imports. According to a report by Reuters, the proposed reforms form part of a broader strategy to position India as a competitive global defence manufacturing hub.

The move aligns with India’s long-term objective of enhancing self-reliance in defence production while deepening strategic partnerships with technologically advanced countries.

Google Launches TranslateGemma: Open-Source Multilingual Translation Models for Local AI Use

In a major push towards accessible and decentralised artificial intelligence, Google has introduced TranslateGemma, a new family of open-source translation models aimed at delivering high-quality multilingual translation across a wide range of devices. Supporting 55 languages, the models enable efficient, on-device translation with minimal dependence on cloud infrastructure, marking an important milestone in local AI deployment.

Spituk Gustor Festival Begins in Ladakh, Marking Spiritual Renewal and Cultural Continuity

The annual two-day monastic festival Spituk Gustor has commenced in Ladakh, marking a spiritually significant moment in the region’s cultural calendar. Celebrated after a week-long period of prayers and rituals, the festival is dedicated to seeking world peace, prosperity, and the victory of good over evil. It also symbolically signals the conclusion of the first phase of Ladakh’s severe winter.

Indelible Ink in Indian Elections and the Maharashtra Municipal Poll Controversy

The purple mark on a voter’s finger has long been a powerful symbol of electoral integrity in India. Known as indelible ink, it serves as a visible safeguard against multiple voting. However, during recent municipal corporation elections in Maharashtra, this routine mechanism has come under scrutiny, with Opposition parties alleging that the ink is fading or being removed easily, raising concerns about possible electoral malpractice.

Praveen Vashista Appointed as Vigilance Commissioner in Central Vigilance Commission

In a significant appointment to India’s apex anti-corruption body, Shri Praveen Vashista has been appointed as a Vigilance Commissioner in the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The President of India approved the appointment via a warrant dated December 12, 2025, under Section 4(1) of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003. Shri Vashista assumed charge after making and subscribing to the oath of office on January 16, 2026, strengthening the institutional framework for vigilance and corruption prevention.