Similipal Officially Accorded as National Park's Status
Similipal, a unique and ecologically rich region in Odisha, was officially accorded national park status by the Odisha government. After decades of anticipation, this significant move places Similipal as the 107th national park in India and the second in Odisha, after Bhitarkanika.
Similipal National Park spans 845.70 sq km, divided into 11 ranges across Similipal south and Similipal north divisions.
The area comprises parts of Pithabata north, Pithabata south, Nawana, Jenabil, Upper Barahkamuda, Bhanjabasa, Barehipani, Chahala, Nawana North, and Talabandha ranges.
RBI's Directive to Banks on Migration to '.bank.in' Domain
In a move aimed at enhancing the security of digital banking and combating growing cybersecurity threats, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated all banks to transition their existing web domains to the new '.bank.in' domain by October 31, 2025. This directive came in response to the increasing number of frauds in digital payment systems and aims to create a more secure and trusted online banking environment. By adopting this exclusive domain, banks will be able to mitigate cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, and ensure the safety of digital transactions. The RBI has entrusted the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) as the registrar for the new domain, which will be managed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).
Animesh Kujur from Odisha broke the three-year-old 200m National record, clocking an impressive 20.40s, at the Federation Cup at Kochi's Maharaja College Stadium.
He had broken the Indian national record, set two years ago, by 0.12 seconds.
Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya Launches Issuance of Sports Certificates via DigiLocker
Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Mansukh Mandaviya launched the issuance of sports certificates via DigiLocker at the Indira Gandhi Stadium in New Delhi.
Mandaviya reaffirmed the Government's commitment to athlete welfare, stating that all sports initiatives undertaken by Modi Government are athlete-centric.
He announced that sports certificates issued via DigiLocker will soon be integrated with the National Sports Repository System (NSRS), enabling automatic disbursal of Government cash rewards directly into athletes' bank accounts through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), eliminating the need for paper applications.
Indian Delegation Visits Pretoria, South Africa for the Second Session of the India-South Africa JWGTI
A nine member delegation held the Joint Working Group on Trade and Investment meeting with the South African side in Pretoria, South Africa from April 22 to 23, 2025. The discussions were held in a cordial and friendly atmosphere and were fruitful. There was enthusiastic response towards greater cooperation, addressing pending issues, boosting trade and investment, greater people to people contacts.
The JTC was co-chaired by Mr. Malose Letsoalo, Chief Director, Bilateral Trade Relations, The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, Republic of South Africa; and Ms. Priya Nair, Economic Adviser Department of Commerce. Official delegation from India consisted of officials from High Commission of India in South Africa, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) and Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare. The officials of both India and South Africa actively engaged in the proceedings of the India-South Africa JWGTI.
DDP Founder Sanjeet Becomes First Indian to Win PATA Award of Merit
In recognition of his tireless contribution to the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) and steadfast support of the PATA Chapter network, Sanjeet, Director of DDP Publications Private Limited, was honoured with the PATA Award of Merit at the PATA Annual Summit 2025 in Istanbul, Turkiye.
A PATA member since 1999, Sanjeet has served over 18 years in key leadership roles, including two terms on the Executive Board. He has been instrumental in strengthening the India Chapter and was a driving force behind bringing the PATA Travel Mart to New Delhi in 2023. This award celebrates his enduring legacy and continued commitment to shaping the future of global travel and tourism.