CJP Centre Talks on NEET Demands End With 24-Hour Deadline CJP representatives met Union ministers and submitted demands linked to the NEET paper leak protest, including accountability and protection for protesters. The talks unfolded as the Supreme Court ordered the Centre to explain its long-term examination reform plan. Protest Delegation Submits Its Core Demands New Delhi, July 24, 2026: CJP Centre talks

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

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.

Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Brace for Week of Rain Andhra Pradesh, Yanam, and Telangana are expected to experience continued monsoon rainfall, thunderstorms, and strong winds. IMD has issued district-level warnings, with isolated heavy rain forecast in several areas.   Andhra Pradesh, Telangana Brace for Week of Rain The Andhra Pr

Four Indian Sailors Killed in Cargo Ship Attack Near Odesa Four Indian nationals died, and another was critically injured after the MV Golden Leo was attacked while leaving Ukraine’s Odesa port on July 19. India condemned the strike and said its mission is to assist those affected.   MV Golden Leo Attack Kills Four Indians Near Ukraine’s Odesa The MV Golden Leo attack near Ukraine’s Odesa port killed four Indian national

Why ITPI’s Authority Over Planning Colleges Is Under Scrutiny The ITPI planning college recognition row has renewed concerns about who can legally approve planning institutions in India. Experts say the professional body can grant membership but cannot provide statutory accreditation to colleges or academic programmes. Why ITPI’s Authority Over Planning Colleges Is Under Scrutiny The ITPI planning college recognition row

India’s First Hydrogen Train Begins Operations Between Jind and Sonipat India’s first indigenously developed hydrogen-powered passenger train has begun operating on the Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana. Passengers searching for the Jind Sonipat hydrogen train timing can use the daily services numbered 74010 and 74009. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train at Jind railway station on July 17, 2026. The launch marks Indian Railways’ first

DK Shivakumar Urges PM Modi to Send Central Team as Karnataka Drought Risk Deepens Bengaluru, July 15, 2026: Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking the immediate deployment of a central team to examine the emerging drought conditions in the state. The request follows a reported 30% rainfall deficit

DMK Moves Child Rights Panel Against Minister Keerthana Over School Visit Row DMK MP Rajathi alias Salma has filed a complaint with the NCPCR against Tamil Nadu Minister S Keerthana over a government school visit row. The complaint alleges that a minor student was embarrassed during an English interaction and that the video was circulated without protecting the child’s identity.   Complaint Filed With NCPCR DMK MP Raja

Pune Building Collapse: 15 Feared Trapped At Moshi Waste-To-Energy Site After Heavy Rain Around 15 people are feared trapped after a portion of a building collapsed in Pune’s Pimpri-Chinchwad area on Wednesday afternoon, July 8, 2026. The incident took place in Moshi, where rescue teams, police, fire brigade officials, and ambulances were rushed to the site. Rescue Operation Underway In Moshi According to officials, the col

IIM Bangalore To Open Indonesia Campus As India Expands Education Footprint Abroad India’s higher education push overseas is gaining fresh momentum, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi announcing that the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore will set up a campus in Indonesia. The announcement was made in Jakarta on July 7, 2026, during a joint press statement with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto. The proposed IIM Bangalore Indo

Wayanad Tunnel Project Landslide: Rescue Teams Search Kalladi Site After Heavy Rain A major landslide struck the Wayanad tunnel project site near Kalladi in Kerala on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, triggering a large rescue operation amid heavy rainfall in the region. The incident occurred near Meenakshi Bridge, close to the ongoing Anakkompoyil-Meppadi tunnel road project, which is being developed to improve connectivity between Malappuram and Wayanad districts.

Mumbai On Red Alert As Heavy Rain, Strong Winds Expected Across MMR Mumbai remained on red alert on Monday, July 6, 2026, after the India Meteorological Department warned of intense rain spells and strong winds across the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. The alert covers Mumbai, Mumbai Suburban, Thane, Palghar, and Raigad, where heavy rain is expected to continue through the day. The latest warning comes as the southwest monsoon has strengthened over the Arab

Who Is Jainam Jain? 14-Year-Old AI Founder Building Mengo Engine From Burj Khalifa   Indian-Origin Teen Entrepreneur Goes Viral Jainam Jain, a 14-year-old Indian-origin entrepreneur, has drawn attention online for building an artificial intelligence startup from one of Dubai’s most iconic business addresses — the Burj Khalifa. Jainam is the founder of Mengo Engine, an AI platform aimed at helping businesses automate

Mumbai Rain Alert: IMD Issues Red Alert For Mumbai, Thane As Heavy Showers Hit Maharashtra Mumbai and neighbouring districts saw heavy rain on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, as the India Meteorological Department issued fresh warnings for heavy showers across parts of Maharashtra. Mumbai, Thane, and Palghar were placed under a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall at isolated places, while nearby regions were warned of heavy to very heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty