SOUTHERN STATES EDUCATION
El Nino trigger: Rabi contingency plan drawn up for 225 districts amid rainfall deficit
The govt has developed a rabi contingency plan in response to the southwest monsoon's rainfall deficit. With concerns over soil moisture and reservoir levels, the plan targets 225 districts facing crop planning challenges. Recent rains have improved some reservoir levels, prompting a reassessment of the original strategies. Additionally, rising food prices and rice stocks have led to new regulatory measures across several states.
BJP's Chandrasekhar hits out at LoP over his contradictory political positions in Delhi, Keralam
Rajeev Chandrasekhar, the BJP president, has criticised Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for his inconsistent political stands. This inconsistency is particularly evident in his approach to alliances in Keralam versus Delhi. Chandrasekhar accused the Congress of compromising constitutional values by aligning with Jamaat-e-Islami and IUML. He highlighted Gandhi's failure to implement the PM SHRI scheme in Keralam due to pressure from IUML.
School holiday today, November 5: Which states will remain closed? Check Diwali vacation, weather alerts and election-related updates
November school holidays: Schools in several states may remain closed on November 5 due to Diwali vacations, election-related holidays and weather alerts. Andhra Pradesh has declared a holiday for MPTC and ZPTC polling, while heavy rainfall warnings across parts of southern and eastern India could prompt local school closure orders. Check state-wise updates and the latest holiday announcements.
School Holiday Today, November 4: Will schools remain closed on Wednesday? Check updates from Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha & Kerala as IMD issues heavy rain alerts
School holiday news: Schools in Andhra Pradesh will remain closed on November 4 and 5 due to preparations for the MPTC and ZPTC elections, with polling scheduled for November 5. Meanwhile, the IMD has issued heavy rainfall warnings for parts of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Odisha and Chhattisgarh on November 4, 2026. No statewide school holiday has been confirmed in Telangana or Kerala, while any closures in Odisha will depend on district-level orders. Parents and students should check local administration and school announcements for the latest updates.
Election Day 2026 results so far: Abdul El-Sayed vs Mike Rogers in Michigan Senate race; who is Democrat's wife Sarah Jukaku?
Election Day 2026 results so far: Michigan's closely watched 2026 Senate race pits Democrat Abdul El-Sayed against Republican Mike Rogers, with both candidates competing for a crucial seat. Most polls predict that Abdul El-Sayed might win. As voters head to the polls, here's what to know about El-Sayed's career, political background and wife, psychiatrist Sarah Jukaku.
NEET-UG 2027 may retain pen-and-paper option as southern states push back against exam overhaul
Centre's proposed examination reforms have encountered resistance from southern states, particularly Tamil Nadu and Kerala, potentially delaying a full transition to computer-based NEET-UG until 2028-29. The Nilekani panel is considering a gradual shift, retaining the pen-and-paper option in 2027 while building consensus and addressing concerns over accessibility.
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‘Facing ‘gerontonomia’, the West’s young opt for political extremes’
Tim Vlandas analyzes the influence of aging populations on electoral politics in advanced capitalist nations like Europe. Older voters display different policy preferences, emphasizing pensions over issues of younger demographics. Consequently, governments often allocate more resources to pension spending rather than investing in education and infrastructure. Young voters may become politically disenchanted, leading to radical shifts towards extreme parties.

After 79 years, Railways reaches this remote town for the first time since Independence; Rs 1,628 crore line opens, two new trains flagged off
Indian Railways has connected Chhattisgarh’s Rowghat to the national rail network for the first time since Independence, with the inauguration of the Tadoki-Rowghat railway line. The 17.5-km stretch completes the 95-km Dalli-Rajhara-Rowghat project. Two new passenger services, Rowghat-Raipur and Raipur-Kurud, were also flagged off, improving regional connectivity and access to industrial and economic opportunities.

School holiday tomorrow October 26: Are schools in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR closed for Valmiki Jayanti? Check state-wise list
School holiday updates for October 26, 2026, vary across India as parents track a developing Bay of Bengal system and local announcements. Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Council schools have declared a holiday for Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti, while Odisha has ordered closures in five districts for October 28 and 29. Here is what families should know about Delhi-NCR and other states.

Odisha steps up preparedness, evacuation plans as severe cyclonic storm nears Andhra coast
The Odisha government is mobilizing personnel and resources in anticipation of a severe cyclonic storm forecasted to make landfall. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has ordered the cancellation of leaves for officials to ensure readiness. Heavy rainfall and gusty winds are expected in southern and coastal districts, prompting public safety measures. Collectors in affected areas are preparing cyclone shelters for potential evacuations.

Republican billionaire Rick Jackson is walking a Trump tightrope in his quest to lead Georgia
Republican billionaire Rick Jackson is seeking to become Georgia governor by combining his rags-to-riches story with a pro-business agenda and alignment with Donald Trump. Having spent nearly $200 million of his own money on the campaign, Jackson faces Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms, who accuses him of trying to buy the election.

School holiday today, October 23, 2026: Check state-wise updates for Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, UP, Delhi and other states
School holiday updates for October 23, 2026, vary across states as festive vacations end and heavy rainfall affects parts of Tamil Nadu. West Bengal schools following the Durga Puja calendar may remain closed, while Maharashtra's Diwali vacation is scheduled to begin on November 2. Schools in Uttar Pradesh, Delhi-NCR, Telangana and other states are expected to follow their respective reopening schedules. Parents should check official school notices and district orders for confirmed closures.

School holiday tomorrow, October 20: Will schools remain closed for Dussehra 2026? Check state-wise updates
School holiday October 20, 2026 (Google Trends): Schools in several states are expected to remain closed for Dussehra and Vijayadashami, while West Bengal will observe Bijoya Dashami on October 21. Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka have reported extended Dasara holidays, but reopening dates may vary. Students and parents should check their school’s official holiday circular for confirmation.

Albanian police clash with anti-government protesters for an 8th day
Protests in Tirana escalated as police employed tear gas and water cannons against demonstrators seeking reform. Students are demanding lower tuition fees, enhanced state investment in education, and government accountability regarding corruption. Protests have erupted across several European countries due to rising living costs and housing concerns among citizens. Prime Minister Edi Rama condemned the violence but acknowledged the legitimacy of the protesters' grievances.

Tamil Nadu rain alert: Schools in Chennai and other districts declare holiday as heavy showers lash state
Chennai School Holiday Today, October 21, 2026: Schools across India will follow different schedules amid ongoing Dussehra and Durga Puja vacations. Haryana, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana may see continued closures, while schools in Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad and Maharashtra may reopen. Heavy rainfall forecasts could prompt local closures in southern India, subject to official orders.

Dussehra 2026 Date: October 20 or 21? Check Vijayadashami Date, Vijay Muhurat and Ravana Dahan Time
Dussehra 2026: Dussehra, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, across much of India. The festival marks the victory of good over evil and is associated with Lord Rama's victory over Ravana as well as Goddess Durga's victory over Mahishasura. Dussehra also marks the culmination of Sharad Navratri.

School Holiday Today, October 19: Check state-wise closures for Durga Puja, Maha Navami, Vijayadashami, Ayudha Pooja, Dasara 2026 & other festivals
Schools closed on October 19: Schools in several Indian states will remain closed on Monday, October 19, 2026, due to festive holidays, including Durga Puja, Maha Navami, Ayudha Pooja and Vijayadashami. Schools in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand will also remain closed, while Telangana schools covered by the Dasara vacation will continue their break. Students and parents should check state-wise holiday schedules and official announcements for the latest updates.

Dussehra 2026: When is Vijay Muhurat? Check Dashami Tithi, puja timings, Ravana Dahan, Durga Visarjan rituals & significance
Dussehra 2026, also known as Vijayadashami or Dasara, will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 20, marking the victory of good over evil. The festival commemorates Lord Rama’s victory over Ravana and Goddess Durga’s triumph over Mahishasura. Devotees observe the occasion with prayers, Ravana Dahan, Shami Puja and other traditional rituals. Here is a detailed guide to Dussehra 2026, covering its history, religious significance, Dashami Tithi timings, Vijay Muhurat, Aparahna Puja time and regional celebrations across India.

Rihanna turned personal grief into a philanthropic mission in 2012. Today, 14 years later, her foundation has channelled over $100 million into charity
In memory of her grandmother, Rihanna established the Clara Lionel Foundation in 2012, catalyzing a wave of generosity. With over $100 million in grants, the foundation champions vital causes like healthcare, education, and women's empowerment. Following Hurricane Melissa in late 2025, its focus on disaster preparedness illustrates a profound commitment to fostering resilient communities and addressing future challenges.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay asks Centre to release Rs 5,110 crore in pending education funds without conditions; complete list of his demands to PM Modi
TN CM VIjay's list of demands to PM Modi: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release Rs 5,110 crore in pending Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan funds without conditions. He also sought approval for Chennai Metro Phase III, reconsideration of Metro projects in Coimbatore and Madurai, new high-speed rail corridors, highway upgrades, the Godavari-Cauvery river link and the use of Tamil in Madras High Court proceedings.

Revanth Reddy says Shiva is God of poor, Ram God of rich, represented by wealthy party like BJP
Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has sparked a political row by saying Lord Shiva is the “God of the poor” and Lord Ram the “God of the rich”. He also alleged that the BJP had “stolen” Lord Ram as a political symbol in northern India. BJP leader Bandi Sanjay Kumar criticised Reddy, saying Telangana itself has major religious centres dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Ram.

School holiday today, September 28: Are schools closed on Monday? Check latest update & IMD weather advisory
School holiday today: As of now, only Punjab has announced a school holiday for September 28, 2026. The IMD has forecast rain, thunderstorms, gusty winds and isolated heavy rainfall in several parts of the country, including Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, northeast India and parts of southern India. Parents and students should keep an eye on updates from their local administration and respective schools for any fresh announcement regarding closures or changes in school timings.

Remove 43 TASMAC liquor shops near railway stations & tracks: Railway flags drinking, trespassing and safety risks across Tamil Nadu
Southern Railway has asked the Tamil Nadu government to relocate 43 TASMAC liquor outlets near railway stations and tracks in Chennai and neighbouring districts, citing safety concerns, trespassing deaths, accidents and passenger complaints. The railway has flagged issues including people entering railway premises, track crossings, disturbances and littering, while TASMAC has said finding suitable alternative locations remains a challenge.

Men doing household chores, AI's impact: Andhra's education reforms erase gender stereotypes, focus on tech
Andhra Pradesh is implementing reforms in school education to address gender stereotypes and promote equality. Textbooks are being revised to ensure shared responsibilities in household chores among genders. Introductions to technology, such as Artificial Intelligence, will enhance interactive learning in classrooms.

PhysicsWallah's Alakh Pandey to move base to South India for business expansion
Taking the first step in this direction, PhysicsWallah (PW) has signed a five-year partnership with Mohan Babu University (MBU) through which it will provide online AI, skilling and career-focused courses to nearly 18,000 students of the university.

Abdullah vs Hari Singh holiday row hits J&K House, highway curbs add to tensions
Jammu and Kashmir Assembly witnessed protests after NC MLA Abdul Majid Larmi demanded restoration of public holidays marking Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah’s birth and death anniversaries or cancellation of Maharaja Hari Singh’s holiday. BJP legislators walked out in protest, while PDP backed Abdullah holiday demands and sought restoration of July 13 holiday. MLAs also raised concerns over highway restrictions affecting Kashmir residents.

A costly policy error by China should be a cautionary tale for India
India’s fertility rate has fallen below replacement level, prompting an EAC-PM working paper to argue that population control should no longer be a policy goal. Pointing to China’s difficulty reversing decades of low fertility, the paper says India should phase out sterilisation-linked incentives and two-child norms while retaining access to contraception and reproductive healthcare.

Population Foundation urges shift from population control to informed choice, equity
The Population Foundation of India has urged a shift away from population control towards informed choice, equity and demographic preparedness, as India navigates changing population trends and their wider social and economic implications.

Quote of the day by Maya Angelou: 'I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn.' Life lessons from motivational quote on personal growth, true wisdom, curiosity and humility
Quote of the day by Maya Angelou, “I’ve learned that I still have a lot to learn,” highlights humility, curiosity and personal growth. The saying suggests that learning does not end with age, education or experience. Maya Angelou’s words encourage people to remain open to new ideas, accept mistakes, listen to others and continue learning from everyday experiences throughout life.
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