Chennai, Aug 23: The ruling TVK is preparing an extensive strategy for the anticipated bypolls to seven vacant Assembly constituencies, with Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay signalling that alleged corruption files concerning the previous government could be made public during the campaign.

Seven of Tamil Nadu’s 234 Assembly constituencies — Tiruchi East, Perundurai, Madurantakam, Dharapuram, Ambasamudram, Karur and Viralimalai — are currently vacant. Byelections could not be held in Tiruchi East, Karur, Viralimalai, Perundurai and Ambasamudram because election petitions challenging the results in these constituencies are pending.

The Madras High Court’s stay preventing byelections in the five seats is expected to expire on August 24. The Election Commission is therefore expected to initiate the process of holding byelections in all seven vacant constituencies shortly.

Victory in the byelections is crucial for the TVK, which formed the government after the recent Assembly election without securing an absolute majority on its own. The party won 107 seats, falling 11 short of the 118 required for a majority in the 234-member House. It formed the government with support from Congress, which has five MLAs, and two legislators each from the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Nadu Party, CPI, CPI(M) and Indian Union Muslim League.

Although the Congress party and two other allies are represented in the Cabinet and are unlikely to withdraw their support, the two Communist parties could reconsider their position if differences emerge over issues affecting the public.

Such a development could place the government under pressure. If the TVK wins all seven vacant seats, its strength will increase to 114, leaving it only four seats short of a majority.

The continued support from Congress or a combination of smaller allies would then ensure the government’s stability for its full term.

CM Vijay indicated the government’s campaign strategy during the Assembly session on August 19 when the Opposition demanded documentary evidence for allegations raised by Ministers.

The Chief Minister said the government possessed evidence relating to several sectors and that the relevant files were on his table. “I did not want to say this, but they are asking for evidence. Everything is on my table with proof,” CM Vijay said.

He added that the files would be opened “at the appropriate time”, before hinting that the disclosures could influence the forthcoming byelections.

New Delhi, Aug 23: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently interacted with CEOs and founders of 20 Indian space startups at Seva Teerth and praised the country’s rise in the private space sector, while calling for greater collaboration to position India as a global hub for space technology.

During the interaction, he encouraged space companies to explore new applications of their technologies and focus on how these can make people’s lives easier.

The interaction, held on Friday, brought together leaders of startups working across a wide range of areas, including rocket and reusable semi-cryogenic launch vehicle development, avionics, satellites, advanced propulsion systems, space and defence intelligence, space debris removal, and AI-powered hyperlocal weather and climate intelligence.

The startup founders highlighted the rapid progress made by India’s private space sector and shared their vision for its future.

They said their companies had invested significant time and effort in developing capabilities and technologies indigenously, while expressing gratitude for the support extended by the Prime Minister and the government.

In the video of the interaction, released on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi can be heard expressing gratitude to the startups for placing their trust in the Central government.

“The biggest thing is that you placed your trust in the word of the government. It has always been my view that whatever decision we take, we must remain consistent in it, so that even if someone wants to take a risk they do that without fear,” PM Modi said.

Interacting with the CEOs, the Prime Minister said, “The world must now be searching for Indian startups, wondering, ‘Who are the players in this?’ Because whenever a breakthrough occurs, people’s attention turns to it immediately.”

“We need to bring more people together. People who had gone abroad are now returning. I believe we should create such an aura that across the world, people in this sector feel, ‘If you want to build a career, go to India.’ Connect with Indian startups. Connect with Indian space agencies. I firmly believe that because of you all, we can pull the entire global talent pool like a magnet,” he mentioned.

PM Modi said that in terms of cost, India is “highly competitive”.

“When it comes to talent, there is no question at all. And the risk-taking capacity of our countrymen is naturally quite high. Because of that, we can establish our position very rapidly,” he said.

The founders recalled that the decision to open the space sector to private participation had generated significant enthusiasm and created new opportunities for Indian industry. They also noted that several companies are now showing interest in adopting and leveraging technologies developed by the emerging private space industry.

The industry leaders also underlined the strong ecosystem being created through government support and collaboration among companies. They said their teams were highly motivated and working with determination to achieve ambitious goals in the space sector.

PM Modi also encouraged space companies to explore new applications of their technologies and focus on developing solutions that can make people’s lives easier. The Prime Minister called for greater collaboration between space startups and companies operating in other sectors.

The Prime Minister suggested that companies working on space debris could collaborate with environmental organisations to expand the use of their technologies. Similarly, space technology companies working in agriculture could partner with agricultural universities and government departments to help farmers make better-informed decisions and improve productivity.

New Delhi, Aug 23: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday extended his greetings to scientists and the people of the state on National Space Day, describing the occasion as a celebration of India’s scientific talent, innovation and remarkable journey in space.

In a post on X, CM Yogi highlighted India’s growing achievements in science, research and space technology, while praising the country’s expanding global recognition.

He said India’s progress in the space sector reflects the spirit of innovation and the broader vision of building a developed and self-reliant nation.

“Heartiest congratulations to all scientists and the people of the state on National Space Day, a radiant symbol of India’s scientific talent and the power of innovation. This day is a celebration of India’s bold flight—from the Moon to the infinite possibilities of space—as well as the extraordinary journey of scientific capability and innovation. Under the illustrious leadership of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the new India is continuously setting new milestones in the fields of science, research, and space technology, giving renewed momentum and global recognition to the resolve of ‘Viksit Bharat-Atmanirbhar Bharat’,” he said.

National Space Day is celebrated in India on August 23. The day marks the historic soft landing of the Chandrayaan-3 Vikram lander near the Moon’s south pole in 2023, making India the first nation to reach that region of the Moon. The achievement became a defining milestone in the country’s space programme and demonstrated the growing strength of India’s scientific and technological capabilities.

As India observes National Space Day 2026, ISRO Chairman and Secretary of the Department of Space Dr V Narayanan has called for greater innovation, collaboration and ambition as the country works towards becoming a global leader in space.

The 2026 celebrations are being held under the theme, “Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership.” The theme reflects India’s ambition to strengthen its scientific and technological capabilities while encouraging innovation, partnerships and greater participation in the global space ecosystem.

In his National Space Day 2026 message, Dr V Narayanan emphasised the importance of continuing to push the boundaries of science and technology while building partnerships that can strengthen India’s space ecosystem.