Business

Thales Strengthens India Presence with Appointment of Ankur Kanaglekar as Vice President


New Delhi, September 10, 2025 — Thales, a global leader in aerospace, defense, and digital security, has announced the appointment of Ankur Kanaglekar as Vice President for India. The appointment, effective 10 September 2025, signals a significant step in the company’s commitment to expanding its operations and deepening engagement with the Indian market.

With this leadership change, Thales aims to accelerate its strategy of building robust local partnerships, fostering innovation, and aligning with India’s Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative.

“This appointment underscores Thales’ long-term commitment to India. We are focused on leveraging global expertise while fostering indigenous capabilities that contribute to India’s defense and aerospace ecosystem,” the company stated.

Kanaglekar’s leadership will be instrumental in driving Thales’ India operations forward, strengthening collaboration with government, industry, and academia, while promoting research and innovation tailored for Indian needs.

Thales has a longstanding presence in India, with initiatives across defense, aerospace, digital identity, and cybersecurity. The company continues to support ‘Make in India’ through joint ventures, technology transfers, and skill development programs.

With Ankur Kanaglekar at the helm, Thales is poised to further expand its footprint and reinforce its role as a trusted partner in India’s journey toward self-reliance and technological advancement.

Human Interest

Dangeti Jahnavi Makes History as the First Indian to Complete NASA’s Prestigious IAS Program – Set to Travel to Space in 2029


Andhra Pradesh, India – In a groundbreaking achievement that has inspired a generation, Dangeti Jahnavi, a young space enthusiast from the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, has become the first Indian to successfully complete NASA’s prestigious International Air and Space Program (IASP). With this accomplishment, she is now set to take her journey one step further—traveling to space in 2029.


✨ Who is Dangeti Jahnavi?

Jahnavi, hailing from Palakollu in Andhra Pradesh, has long been fascinated by space science, astronomy, and aerospace engineering. Her journey began with a dream and was powered by relentless dedication, academic excellence, and a passion for exploration beyond Earth’s boundaries.

From participating in science fairs to interning at space research organizations, Jahnavi quickly rose through the ranks of India’s brightest young minds. Her admission into NASA’s IASP was a significant milestone—not just for her, but for India’s growing presence in the global space research community.


🌌 What is NASA’s International Air and Space Program (IASP)?

The IASP is an elite training program hosted by NASA in collaboration with the Aerospace Science and Technology Education Program (ASTEP). It brings together brilliant students and professionals from around the globe to participate in real-world astronaut training simulations, spacecraft engineering, robotics, and mission planning.

Jahnavi’s successful completion of this highly competitive program involved hands-on experience in microgravity simulations, space mission simulations, and working directly with NASA engineers and astronauts.


🛰️ A Mission to Space: Scheduled for 2029

After completing the IASP, Jahnavi’s talents and dedication didn’t go unnoticed. She has been officially selected for a future space research mission, scheduled to launch in 2029—making her one of the youngest Indian women ever chosen for a mission of this scale. While details of the mission remain under wraps, it is expected to involve international scientific collaboration and low-Earth orbit (LEO) exploration.


🇮🇳 Pride of India

Jahnavi’s achievement has sparked excitement and pride across India. From social media buzz to accolades from educators, scientists, and political leaders, her story is inspiring young minds to pursue careers in STEM, aerospace, and beyond.

In a statement, Jahnavi said:

“This is just the beginning. I hope my journey encourages more young Indians, especially girls, to look up to the stars and realize that no dream is too big.”