Similipal Declared Odisha’s Largest and India’s 107th National Park
Similipal in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district has officially been designated as India’s 107th national park, making it the largest in the state at 845.70 sq km. This long-awaited recognition, formally announced in April 2025, strengthens conservation efforts for the region’s exceptional biodiversity. Similipal is home to over 55 mammal species, 361 bird species, and 62 types of reptiles, including the rare melanistic tiger. The national park status brings enhanced legal protection and access to federal conservation funds. Odisha’s government hailed the move as a milestone for ecological preservation and a step toward sustainable development in the region.
IAF Conducts ‘Exercise Aakraman’ with Rafale and Su-30 Jets to Boost Combat Readiness
The Indian Air Force has launched a major drill, Exercise ‘Aakraman’, deploying frontline fighters like Rafales and Su-30MKIs across the central and eastern sectors. The large-scale operation simulates strike missions over plains and mountains, enhancing preparedness for multi-domain warfare. Equipped with advanced weapons like Meteor missiles and Rampage munitions, the jets carried out precision strikes and electronic warfare tasks. The timing of the drill comes amid rising regional tensions, particularly after the recent Pahalgam attack. The exercise underscores India’s focus on air superiority and rapid response capabilities in diverse combat scenarios.
Stacie Sire Named VP and MD of Boeing India Engineering & Technology Center
Boeing has appointed Stacie Sire as the new Vice President and Managing Director of its India Engineering & Technology Center (BIETC) in Bengaluru. With 27 years at Boeing, Sire brings rich experience in engineering leadership across major programs like the 787 and 777. She will also serve as Chief Engineer for Boeing India, guiding strategy, innovation, and team development. Sire succeeds Ahmed Elsherbini, who now leads Boeing Global Engineering. She emphasized a strong focus on safety, quality, and collaboration, aiming to strengthen Boeing’s engineering excellence and growth in India’s expanding aerospace sector.
Former ISRO Chief K. Kasturirangan Passes Away at 84, Nation Mourns Visionary Leader
Dr. K. Kasturirangan, former ISRO Chairman and a pioneer of India’s space and education sectors, passed away in Bengaluru at 84. He led ISRO from 1994 to 2003, overseeing key satellite missions and the development of PSLV and GSLV launch vehicles. He laid the foundation for India’s Chandrayaan-1 mission and later chaired the committee that drafted the transformative National Education Policy 2020. Honored with Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan, his passing marks the end of an era. The nation remembers him as a visionary scientist and dedicated public servant.
Kriti Sanon Becomes Face of Dreame Technology in India
Bollywood star Kriti Sanon has been announced as the first Indian brand ambassador for Dreame Technology, a global smart home appliance brand. This move marks Dreame’s strategic push to expand its presence in the Indian market. Sanon will promote a range of products, including robotic and cordless vacuum cleaners, wet-and-dry vacuums, and personal grooming devices like hair dryers and stylers. Known for her modern and tech-savvy image, Sanon aligns with Dreame’s mission of delivering smart, high-performance solutions. The partnership aims to connect with young Indian consumers looking for innovation in their everyday home routines.
Rohit Sharma Joins Elite List with 12,000 T20 Runs
Rohit Sharma has become the second Indian cricketer to amass 12,000 runs in T20 cricket. He achieved this remarkable feat during the IPL 2025 match between Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring 70 runs. With this milestone, Sharma joins an exclusive club of top T20 run-scorers, trailing only Virat Kohli, who has 13,208 T20 runs. Internationally, Chris Gayle holds the highest tally with 14,562 runs. Sharma’s consistency in T20 cricket further cements his position as one of the game’s finest opening batsmen and a key player in Indian cricket history.