✊ Activists push for job guarantee using KKRDB funds

Activists from the Kalyana Karnataka Region Development Struggle Committee demanded an urban employment guarantee scheme. They held a press conference in Kalaburagi, highlighting the migration of poor people to major cities. The committee stated that KKRDB funds should focus on human development instead of just physical infrastructure, mentioning poverty and unemployment. They also called for affordable rail transport, specifically requesting two new trains with more unreserved coaches. The activists welcomed the reconstitution of the Cabinet Sub-Committee on Article 371(J) to address regional imbalances.

👮 Pankaj Kumar Meena becomes Markapuram's first SP

Pankaj Kumar Meena officially took charge as the first Superintendent of Police in Markapuram district on Thursday. As an IPS officer, he outlined priorities covering public safety and preventing road accidents along major highways. He assured consultation with Revenue officials to resolve noted land disputes in the district. Meena emphasized that women's safety would be a top priority, and he would be accessible to the public. He affirmed that all necessary measures would be taken to improve public services in the region.

🌊 North Andhra on high alert due to swollen rivers

Flood alerts have been sounded across Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts following heavy inflows into several rivers. Agriculture Minister K. Atchannaidu and Collector Swapnil Dinakar Pundkar were reviewing the situation near Meliyaputti on Thursday. The Nagavali, Vamsadhara, and others received huge inflows after a deep depression crossed the Kalingapatnam sea coast. Officials are actively managing the situation, shifting people from low-lying areas while NDRF and SDRF teams stand ready. Monitoring of the river situation will continue on an hourly basis for the next couple of days. 🌊

🏆 CM Revanth Reddy gets prestigious award in Kerala

Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy is set to receive the Aryadan Muhammed – 2026 Best Public Servant Award in Nilambur, Kerala, on Friday. This award, established by the Aryadan Muhammed Foundation, honors veteran Congress leader Aryadan Muhammed. The recognition includes a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, a citation, and a memento for his public welfare initiatives. Revanth Reddy was chosen for his work benefiting farmers, Backward Classes, and the general public. The presentation marks the fourth death anniversary of Aryadan Muhammed. 🏆

🛡️ 19yo Indian Hacked US Justice Dept. System 🚨

Nisarga Adhikary, a 19-year-old cybersecurity researcher, was honored by the US Department of Justice for finding a critical vulnerability. This achievement took place after he reported a security flaw in one of the DoJ's major law enforcement systems. The department validated and patched the issue within a week after his report roughly a week ago. This recognition adds to his prior work finding vulnerabilities in CBSE's digital systems. Adhikary has also reported flaws in US military systems and was not paid for his disclosures.

💉 Measles scares continue despite high vaccine coverage

Immunization experts are meeting to tackle ongoing measles outbreaks across the WHO South-East Asia Region. This gathering took place in New Delhi, focusing on closing persistent immunity gaps among children and adolescents. In 2025, the region reported 94% coverage for the third dose of DTP, while zero-dose children dropped by 65% since 2021. However, measles elimination targets are behind schedule, and HPV vaccine coverage was only 7% in 2025. Experts will now guide priorities beyond 2026 to strengthen surveillance and reduce future risks. 💉

🎉 Dasara Mela stall draw ends in chaos

The draw of lots for the Dasara Ahara Mela stalls halted midway due to protests by applicants at Jaganmohan Palace auditorium. Mysuru City Corporation began the process, receiving around 680-700 applications for the event. Officials announced allotments for about 100 applicants, with 20 stalls held in reserve for the Mysuru Dasara 2026. Objections over alleged lack of transparency led applicants to disrupt the proceedings around 70-80 allotted stalls. MP Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar has since called for a fair and transparent allocation process. 🧐

😟 1 in 8 Girls Face Sexual Assault Before 18

UNICEF data reveals a concerning statistic regarding gender-based violence globally. This alarming figure indicates that one in every eight girls worldwide experiences sexual assault before reaching the age of eighteen. The report compiles data from various international surveys conducted across different regions. This highlights the urgent need for increased safety measures and comprehensive educational programs for young girls. Efforts must now focus on implementing stronger protective policies to prevent such incidents. 😟

💔 Tractor-trolley overturns in Haryana, six dead

A tractor-trolley carrying pilgrims overturned near Pindarsi village in Kurukshetra on Thursday. The accident involved a group of about 30 people traveling from Kalal Majra to Gogamedi Temple in Hanumangarh district. Six devotees tragically lost their lives, and over 15 people sustained injuries. Pilgrims reported that another trolley loaded with timber struck the vehicle, causing the overturn. Authorities have sent the deceased bodies for post-mortem examinations and are managing the injured.

🤝 Andhra Pradesh seeks big investments from global firms

Andhra Pradesh IT and HRD Minister Nara Lokesh met several global company heads to solicit major investments in the state. He met Cisco Systems' MD in New Delhi, inviting them to set up manufacturing and an Engineering Center in Visakhapatnam. The discussions took place on Thursday, building on previous collaborations with Cisco. Lokesh also pitched opportunities to Vivo, Abbott, and Mastercard for setting up tech and manufacturing units. These meetings aim to boost industry presence and economic growth across Andhra Pradesh. 📈

🧐 DC orders probe into BJP voter objection claims

The Deputy Commissioner ordered an inquiry into allegations that BJP leaders tried to file bulk objections against eligible voters in Belagavi. This action followed claims by Congress leader Aman Sait on Wednesday against BJP leader Ravi Patil. The allegations involved filing third-party objections against Muslim voters in Veerabhadra Nagar. The Deputy Commissioner stated the ERO will investigate and that actions will be taken against violators. This clarifies ECI rules, noting that deletions require proof and a seven-day notice. 🧐