Reliance Industries has proposed a ₹2.73 lakh crore investment in Andhra Pradesh for an Underground Coal Gasification project. The proposed UCG complex will be developed around the Chintalapudi and Recherla coal blocks in Eluru district. Reliance Plans ₹2.73 lakh crore investment in Andhra Pradesh Reliance Industries Limited has proposed investing around ₹2.73 lakh crore over 30 years to develop what is planned as India’s first integrated U

Delhi Police have rejected allegations that excessive force was used against protesters during the July 20 Cockroach Janta Party-led demonstration at Jantar Mantar, telling the Supreme Court that the size of the gathering and subsequent clashes required a controlled police response. In an affidavit filed in connection with four petitions seeking a Supreme Court-monitored investigation into alleged police excesses, the force said more than 30,000 people participated in the protest ag

Two women from Tamil Nadu, P. Pechiyammal and Govindhammal, received the Dr. M.S. Swaminathan Award for Environment Protection 2026 in Chennai for their grassroots work in marine conservation, sustainable agriculture and community empowerment. Two Women Honoured for Environmental Leadership P. Pechiyammal, leader of the Neithal Self Help Group in Vedhalai, Ramanathapuram d

A parliamentary panel has given Meta three days to respond over the temporary removal of PM Modi’s Facebook video and sought an unconditional apology from Mark Zuckerberg. The panel has also warned that Meta’s safe harbour protection could be reviewed if the company fails to provide a satisfactory response. Meta Gets 3-Day Deadline as Panel Seeks Zuckerberg Apology New Delhi: A parliamentary panel has increased pressure on Meta af

Indian spacetech startups have collectively raised $871 million across 285 companies, with Skyroot Aerospace leading the sector after Vikram-1 became the first privately built Indian rocket to reach orbit. The milestone signals growing investor confidence in India’s commercial space industry. Skyroot’s Vikram-1 Marks a Turning Point India’s private space sector reached a major milestone on July 18 when Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-

From Historic Fort Town to Automobile and Cultural Hub Kia’s manufacturing ecosystem has reshaped Penukonda from a historic fort town into a fast-growing industrial and cultural hub. New jobs, supplier units, rental housing, Korean stores, and language training are creating a distinctive ‘Little Korea’ in Andhra Pradesh. Kia Penukonda Local Economy: How ‘Little Korea’ Took Shape

Nilekani-Led Exam Reform Panel Faces Trust and Privacy Test PM Modi’s Nandan Nilekani-led examination reform task force will examine technology, security and structural changes for the NTA. The APAAR consent dispute shows that privacy, voluntary participation, and accountability will be vital to restoring student trust. Nandan Nilekani Exam Reform Task Force Faces APAAR Trust Test The Nandan Nilekani exam reform task

Two Resignations, Different Accountability Tests Dharmendra Pradhan and Yvette Berry left their education portfolios within 48 hours, but under very different circumstances. One resignation followed nationwide examination protests in India, while the other came after an integrity investigation in Australia’s ACT. Dharmendra Pradhan and Yv

India Weightlifting Medals at CWG 2026: Three Podiums on Day 4 India secured three weightlifting medals on Day 4 of CWG 2026 as Mirabai Chanu won a historic third consecutive gold, while Rishikanta Singh and Raja Muthupandi earned silver medals in Glasgow.   Weightlifters Power India’s Glasgow Campaign India enjoyed its most productive day of the Commonwealth Games 2026 as Mirabai Chanu, Chanambam Rishikanta Singh and Raja M

Written Assurances End Sonam Wangchuk’s 26-Day Hunger Strike Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after receiving written assurances from the Centre on examination accountability, NEET reforms, and peaceful protests. PM Modi wished him a speedy recovery, while the wider CJP agitation at Jantar Mantar continues. What Changed After 26 Days of Protest New Delhi, July 24, 2026: Activist Sonam Wangchuk

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.

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,

Meta AI Adds Parent Alerts for Teen Crisis Conversations New Delhi, July 22, 2026: Meta has introduced a new safety system that can notify supervising parents when a teenager’s conversation with Meta AI shows possible signs of suicide or self-harm. Human Review Required Before Parents Receive Notifications The feature works through Instagram’s parental supervision system and covers Meta AI conversations c

India’s Himalayan Surveillance Network Expands Near the China Border India is strengthening high-altitude surveillance from Ladakh to Arunachal Pradesh through mountain radars, airborne warning platforms, satellite imagery, and integrated command networks. The effort aims to close terrain-driven detection gaps along the Line of Actual Control.   Why India Is Strengthening Detection Along the LAC India’s Himalayan

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