Madras HC Quashes Karur Stampede Government Jobs Order The Madras High Court has cancelled the Tamil Nadu government’s compassionate appointment order for families affected by the 2025 Karur stampede. The court noted that the CBI investigation remains under Supreme Court supervision and avoided commenting on the tragedy’s merits. Chennai, July 27, 2026, 5:49 PM IST: The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court on Monday quashed the Tam

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

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.

ISRO VSSC Apprentice Walk-In 2026 for 460 Posts on July 25 Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre will conduct a walk-in selection drive in Thiruvananthapuram on July 25, 2026, for 460 Graduate and Technician Apprentice training positions. Candidates will be shortlisted on academic marks and eligibility.

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

EPFO Pension Not Credited? Submit Jeevan Pramaan From Home An expired Digital Life Certificate can interrupt an EPS pension after 12 months. Pensioners can check their Jeevan Pramaan status, generate a fresh certificate through face authentication, or request IPPB doorstep assistance without visiting an EPFO office. An EPFO pension stopped due to life certificate expiry can create considerable worry for pensioners who depend on monthly payments. Under the Employe

UDID Card Railway Concession Process: Eligibility and How to Apply The UDID card railway concession process allows eligible persons with disabilities to access discounted train travel and establish a nationally recognised disability identity. Depending on the disability category and travel class, Indian Railways may provide a ticket concession of up to 75%. However, a UDID card does not automatically make every cardholder eligible for discounted railway

New EPFO Portal: PF Claims, Balance Check To Get Faster For Employees The new EPFO portal is expected to make PF claims, balance checks, and claim tracking faster for employees by bringing key provident fund services under a centralised digital system. The upgrade is aimed at reducing delays, cutting manual work, and making EPFO services easier to access for millions of members. New EPFO Portal Brings Services Under One Platform

UIDAI clarifies Aadhaar validity The Unique Identification Authority of India has clarified that all official forms of Aadhaar carry the same validity. This means Aadhaar Letter, e-Aadhaar, Aadhaar PVC Card, and Aadhaar available through the Aadhaar App can all be used as valid identity proof wherever Aadhaar is accepted. The clarification is important becaus

Kavitha Police Incident Deepens BRS Family Rift Talk The recent police incident involving BRS MLC K. Kavitha at Boduppal has once again brought her political position into sharp focus. Kavitha was reportedly taken away by police during a public programme, and reports claimed she faced physical discomfort while being moved into a police vehicle. The episode quickly became a talking point in Telangana politics, not just because of the police action, but

Aadhaar Email Update Free Till December 31: Who Can Benefit Aadhaar users can now update their email address for free through the official Aadhaar mobile app. The Unique Identification Authority of India has waived the earlier ₹75 charge for updating Aadhaar-linked email IDs for a limited period. What Has Changed? The free email update facility started on July 1, 2026, and will remain available till December 31, 2026. Durin

Tamil Nadu To Buy Only AC Government Buses From Now, Says Transport Minister Tamil Nadu Transport Minister Vijay Tamilan Parthiban has said that the state government will now procure only air-conditioned government buses, following Chief Minister Vijay’s direction to make public transport more comfortable and accessible for people across the state. Speaking to reporters in Salem, Parthiban said the Chief Minister wants people to travel more widely and

Parents and students in Kalaburagi have demanded urgent safety action after ceiling plaster collapsed inside a classroom at a Government Girls Pre-University College, injuring five students and raising fresh concerns about the condition of the building. The incident happened while classes were underway. Reports said more than 80 first-year PUC Commerce students were inside the classroom when a portion of the ceiling plaster suddenly fell.

Kerala has started the Priyadarshini free bus travel scheme to help women, students, daily workers and transgender persons reduce their regular transport expenses from June 15. The scheme allows eligible passengers to travel free of cost on selected KSRTC ordinary bus services. The government has introduced the move as a welfare step aimed at improving public transport access and supporting daily mobility across the state.

152 Super Specialty Medical Seats Spark Tamil Nadu Political Row Udhayanidhi Stalin has urged CM Vijay to act quickly as 152 vacant super-speciality medical seats face transfer to the All India Quota. Udhayanidhi Raises Alarm Over Medical Seats Tamil Nadu Leader of the Opposition Udhayanidhi Stalin has urged Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay to intervene immediately ove