News Headlines, August 25
Key Points
India inches closer to human spaceflight as ISRO successfully completes the first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01) for Gaganyaan, validating its parachute-based crew module recovery system.
Odisha gears up for an aviation boom with 22 airstrips set to be revived and seaplane services launching in October, even as the state battles rising river levels and flood alerts.
BCCI ends its ₹358 crore deal with Dream11 due to the Online Gaming Bill, leaving Team India without a title sponsor just ahead of the Asia Cup.
Bhubaneswar: From space breakthroughs to political farewells, this week has been a whirlwind of developments across India. ISRO soared ahead with a successful air-drop test for its Gaganyaan mission, while BCCI scrambled to replace Dream11 as title sponsor following a major gaming law shake-up. Odisha emerged as a focal point—grappling with rising river levels and corruption crackdowns, yet also celebrating aviation upgrades and the launch of a budget-friendly UDAN Café.
ISRO’s Successful Test
The ISRO has successfully completed the Air Drop Test, a key milestone for advancing the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission. The first Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT-01), conducted on Sunday in Sriharikota, was a joint effort by ISRO, Indian Air Force, DRDO, Indian Navy, and Indian Coast Guard.
BCCI-DREAM11 Deal Ends
The BCCI has officially ended its ₹358 crore sponsorship deal with Dream11 following the enactment of the Online Gaming Bill, 2025. With the Asia Cup just a couple of weeks away, BCCI now faces a race against time to secure a new title sponsor. BCCI Secretary Devajit Saikia confirmed the development.
Aviation Boom for Odisha
In a major boost to Odisha’s aviation infrastructure, Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu announced that 22 non-operational airstrips across the state will soon be made functional. He also revealed that seaplane services will commence in October, with Chilika Lake identified as one of the prime destinations.
PM Modi meets Fiji PM
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✨Prime Minister Narendra Modi met his Fijian counterpart, Sitiveni Rabuka, at the Hyderabad House and discussed the ways to further deepen the long-standing partnership and close ties between the two nations. The Fijian PM arrived in New Delhi on Sunday marking first visit to India in his current capacity.
Odisha Rivers Swell
Odisha is grappling with a flood-like situation. According to Engineer-in-Chief Chandra Sekhar Padhi, Subarnarekha river is flowing at 10.85 meters, surpassing its danger mark of 10.36 meters, and is expected to rise further to 11.4 meters. Similarly, the Baitarani river has crossed its danger level of 18.33 meters, currently flowing at 18.61 meters.
Police Officer Apprehended
Odisha Vigilance apprehended Jagaa Bariha, Sub-Inspector of Police at Bijepur Police Station, Bargarh district, while accepting a bribe of ₹7,000 from a local scrap dealer. The bribe was allegedly demanded to allow the dealer to run his business smoothly and avoid any legal action.
BPIA Gets UDAN Café
Union Civil Aviation Minister K. Ram Mohan Naidu inaugurated the UDAN Yatri Cafe and Kids Zone at BPIA in Bhubaneswar. The UDAN Cafe offers a variety of food and beverages at pocket-friendly prices. In addition, the minister also announced infrastructure developments for Odisha, including the construction of Terminal 3 at BPIA.
Former MLA Passes Away
Karendra Majhi, a prominent political figure from Kandhamal district, passed away on Sunday night while undergoing treatment for kidney-related complications. He had been elected twice to the Odisha Legislative Assembly from the Baliguda constituency in 2004 and 2009 on a BJP ticket. Political leaders of Odisha expressed grief.