The 47th Flight Test Course at the Indian Air Force Test Pilot School recently wrapped up with a valedictory event, the Suranjan Das Dinner, hosted at the Aircraft and Systems Testing Establishment (ASTE) in Bengaluru.

Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, Chief of the Air Staff, presented certificates to the graduating officers and recognized outstanding performers with trophies for their exceptional achievements throughout this challenging and specialized program.

Renowned for its rigorous 48-week curriculum, the Flight Test Course is fundamental in enhancing the nation’s capabilities in flight testing for advanced aerial platforms and systems.

In his speech, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh emphasized the critical nature of test flying, a distinct discipline requiring the utmost professionalism, integrity, and dedication. He reaffirmed the Indian Air Force’s dedication to self-reliance, stressing the significance of indigenization initiatives, especially regarding key projects like the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and LCA MK-II. He encouraged the graduates to embody the principles of Precision and Excellence, which are vital for fostering a Sashakt, Saksham, and Atmanirbhar Bharat.

The prestigious Suranjan Das Trophy for the Best All-Round Student Test Pilot was awarded to Squadron Leader S. Bhardwaj, while Squadron Leader Ajay Tripathi received the Chief of the Air Staff Trophy for the Best Student Test Pilot in Flight Evaluation.

The Maharaja Hanumanth Singh Sword for the Best All-Round Student Flight Test Engineer was awarded to Squadron Leader Subhrajyoti Paul, with the Dunlop Trophy for the Best Student Test Engineer in Flight Evaluation going to Wing Commander Ashwini Singh. Major Kaustubh Kunte was recognized with the Kapil Bhargava Trophy for the Best Student in Ground Subjects.

On Friday, the Kerala High Court extended the status quo for an additional four months regarding the prosecution complaint filed by the Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) in the Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL)-Exalogic case, which includes Veena Vijayan, the daughter of Kerala’s Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, among the accused.

This High Court ruling puts a temporary stop to further proceedings in the CMRL pay-off case stemming from the SFIO’s charge sheet. Previously, on April 16, a single bench of the High Court reviewed a petition from CMRL contesting the Additional Sessions Court-VII’s acceptance of the SFIO’s prosecution complaint.

CMRL challenged the order from the Additional District and Sessions Court–VII, arguing that they were not afforded an opportunity for a pre-cognizance hearing as stipulated under Section 223(1) of the BNSS. They contend that since the SFIO’s complaint was filed in March-April 2025, the BNSS provisions should apply.

The High Court’s ruling halts the issuance of summons related to the SFIO’s prosecution complaint, providing temporary relief to the accused, including Veena Vijayan.

Assam’s Minister for Industries, Commerce, and Public Enterprises, Bimal Borah, announced at the Rising Northeast Investors’ Summit in Delhi that the state aims to achieve a Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) of Rs 11 lakh crore by 2030. During the ministerial session on ‘Infrastructure and Logistics,’ which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, he stated, “With the visionary guidance of Prime Minister Modi and continuous support from the Government of India, Assam has experienced significant economic growth. Our GSDP has increased from Rs 2.8 lakh crore in 2018 to Rs 5.7 lakh crore in 2024, reflecting the resilience and determination of our people.”

“Today marks the beginning of a transformative journey, as we elevate Assam from its rich cultural roots to a thriving economic future,” he continued.

Borah emphasized Assam’s potential beyond its scenic beauty and cultural diversity, noting, “Our strategic position, with Guwahati as the gateway to the seven sister states, uniquely positions us to harness the vast opportunities of Southeast Asia.” He also highlighted the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative, which has facilitated the identification and promotion of distinctive products from each district, such as muga silk, tea, and handloom items, thereby boosting local entrepreneurship and export opportunities.