Expanded Morning Meal Programme to Reach 35 Lakh Students Tamil Nadu has renamed its school morning meal programme after former Chief Minister K Kamaraj and extended it to Classes 6–8. The expanded phase begins September 17 and is expected to take total coverage to 35 lakh students across the state. Tamil Nadu Renames Breakfast Scheme After Kamaraj, Expands Coverage Tamil Nadu has renamed its school breakfast programme in hono

The Centre has appointed Naresh Pal Gangwar as India's new Higher Education Secretary, replacing Vineet Joshi in a major bureaucratic reshuffle. With extensive administrative experience, Gangwar now leads higher education policy, university governance and National Education Policy implementation.   The Central Government has appointed senior IAS officer Naresh Pal Gangwar as Secretary of the Department of Higher Education, su

Why AI Cannot Replace Doctors’ Clinical Judgement Artificial intelligence is helping doctors review research, organise records, and improve patient communication. However, clinical judgement, empathy, and treatment responsibility remain with medical professionals, making AI a support tool rather than a replacement for doctors. Technology Is Becoming a Medical Assistant Artificial intelligence is helping doctors review resea

Kandula Jessie’s Journey From School Lab to Space Mission Kandula Jessie, a Class 10 student from an Andhra Pradesh government school, has been selected among 20 Indian participants for Mission ShakthiSAT. Her journey from a school tinkering lab to an international lunar CubeSat programme highlights the importance of STEM education, teacher support, and consistent effort. A Government School Dream Reaches for the Moon Dowleswaram, Andhra Pradesh, July 23, 2026: Fourteen-year-old Kandula Jessie has secured a place among 20 Indian participants selected for Mission ShakthiSAT, an international all-girls lunar CubeSat initiative. Jessie studies at Zilla Parishad Girls High School in Dowleswaram and is reportedly the only student from Andhra Pradesh included in the final Indian group. She was selected through a programme involving nearly 12,000 girls from 108 countries. How Kandula Jessie Earned Her Place Jessie’s journey began at her school’s Atal Tinkering Lab. Her physical science teacher and laboratory in-charge, Manimala, recognised her interest in science and encouraged her to enrol in the programme. The Mission ShakthiSAT curriculum covers subjects far beyond the regular Class 10 syllabus. Its modules include satellite systems, propulsion, thermodynamics, payload development, and other areas of space technology. Jessie continued attending online classes after school, even when she found the advanced concepts difficult. The programme reportedly included around 550 online sessions across 21 learning modules. Her determination to understand unfamiliar subjects helped her progress through the demanding selection process. Selection Tested Knowledge and Communication Skills The selection process involved online coursework, an interview lasting around one hour, and a short video presentation. Jessie was asked to explain Mission ShakthiSAT and discuss the importance of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education. The interview was conducted entirely in English with international scientists and programme coordinators. Jessie spent weeks improving her communication skills with the support of her teachers and educational videos. Her selection reflected more than academic knowledge. It also demonstrated her willingness to improve, communicate confidently and continue learning despite the challenges. Family Supported Her Through Financial Difficulties Jessie’s father works as a carpenter. Her parents had earlier moved her from a private school to a government school because of financial difficulties. Her mother, Aruna, described watching Jessie confidently interact with international scientists as one of the family’s proudest moments. The achievement has also brought recognition to her school and the teachers who encouraged her scientific interests. Jessie’s success shows how timely guidance and access to practical learning opportunities can help students from modest backgrounds compete internationally. ShakthiSAT Training to Begin in New Delhi The next stage of Jessie’s programme is scheduled to begin in New Delhi on August 23, 2026. She is expected to work with scientists and other participants on satellite design, payload development, and mission operations. The student-built lunar CubeSat is proposed for launch from Sriharikota on October 11, 2026. The launch schedule may remain subject to technical and operational confirmation. Mission ShakthiSAT aims to give girls from different countries practical exposure to satellite development, space science and STEM education. The programme brings together students from 108 countries for scientific learning and collaborative space projects. Jessie Hopes to Join ISRO Jessie now hopes to build a career in space science and eventually join the Indian Space Research Organisation. Her selection has strengthened her belief that determination and regular effort can help her achieve that goal. She also hopes to support her parents and make her teachers and school proud. Her journey from a government-school laboratory to an international space programme underlines the value of Atal Tinkering Labs, supportive teachers, and accessible STEM opportunities. For students from financially constrained families, Jessie’s achievement offers a powerful message: scientific talent can emerge from any classroom when curiosity receives the right guidance.

India’s Key Medal Prospects at Glasgow 2026 India enters the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 with more than 120 athletes and medal hopes led by Neeraj Chopra, Mirabai Chanu, and Lovlina Borgohain. The reduced 10-sport programme makes athletics, boxing, and weightlifting central to the campaign. India Begins Glasgow 2026 Campaign With Medal Hopes Across 10 Sports New Delhi, Jul

NEET Row Intensifies as Annamalai and Anna Hazare Seek Accountability K Annamalai and Anna Hazare have separately questioned the handling of the NEET controversy as student protests continue in Delhi. Their interventions place renewed focus on alleged paper leaks, delayed talks, ministerial responsibility, and trust in the examination system. NEET Protests Bring New Pressure for Dialogue and Responsibility New Delhi,

ITR Filing Challenges 2026: AIS, Property, and Foreign Asset Errors Taxpayers filing income tax returns in 2026 face challenges involving property sale calculations, AIS mismatches, incorrect return forms, foreign asset disclosures and portal glitches. The Income Tax Department has also explained why overseas accounts and investments may now appear in AIS. Why Accurate Reporting Matters More This Filing Season New Del

Why a Family Physician May Be the Right First Doctor Choosing the right doctor at the start can reduce confusion and fragmented care. A family physician evaluates the broader health picture, manages routine concerns, and coordinates specialist referrals, while emergencies require immediate treatment.   Family Physician for First Consultation: Why Start Here New Delhi, July 22, 2026: Choosing a family physician

Sonam Wangchuk Fast Enters Day 25 Amid NEET Protest Talks Sonam Wangchuk remains under medical observation at Medanta Hospital after meeting Union ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh. The meeting has raised speculation over whether he will end his 25-day hunger strike linked to demands for accountability over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak. New Delhi, July 22, 2026: Activist and education reformist Sonam Wangchuk remained under medical

TVK Seeks State Control Over Medical Education, End to NEET Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam has renewed its demand to abolish NEET and give states complete authority over education and medical admissions. The party has also proposed constitutional changes to transfer education-related powers from the Centre to the states. TVK Expands Its Position Against NEET Chennai, July 22, 2026: The TVK state control over medica

CJP Protest Expands as Global Media Examines Modi Government Response The CJP-led Jantar Mantar agitation has attracted international media attention while drawing students, parents and professionals from different parts of India. The widening participation has raised questions about whether it could become a broader political challenge for the Modi government. New Delhi, July 22, 2026: The continuing CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar has

Japan Jiko Bukken Ghost Investigation Service Explained Tokyo, July 21, 2026: The Japan jiko bukken ghost investigation service has attracted attention for conducting overnight examinations of properties associated with deaths or other disturbing incidents. Contrary to viral claims that people are being paid 88,000 yen to sleep in allegedly haunted houses, available reports indic

CJP Rejects Nadda Meeting, Says Key NEET Demands Remain Unanswered CJP representatives disputed the Centre’s account of talks with JP Nadda, saying the meetings produced no firm commitment on demands linked to the NEET paper leak protest. The government urged protesters to end their sit-in and help restore normalcy in Delhi.   CJP Rejects Nadda Meeting, Says Key NEET Demands Remain Unanswered Cockroach Janta Party representa

What If Journalists Became Superheroes Fighting Misinformation? In the imagined world of Earth 360, journalists become Fact Hunters who battle misinformation with investigation, verification, and courage. Their keyboard becomes a weapon, evidence becomes a shield, and every accurate report has the power to protect communities and change lives. What If Journalists Became Superheroes Fighting Misinformation? Journalists as superheroes f

India Approves QDENGA Dengue Vaccine for People Aged 4–60 India has approved Takeda’s QDENGA as its first authorised dengue vaccine for people aged 4–60. The live-attenuated vaccine targets all four dengue virus serotypes and is administered in two doses, three months apart. India has approved QDENGA, making it the country’s first authorised vaccine for preventing dengue. The Drug Controller General of India has granted market authorisation for its use am