Current Affairs · 20 August 2026

TNPSC current affairs published on 20 August 2026.

NationalThe Hindu - National

Maharashtra makes snakebite deaths notifiable to strengthen surveillance and ASV planning

Maharashtra has notified snakebite deaths as a notifiable disease to improve reporting, surveillance and anti-snake venom planning.

Tamil NaduHindu Tamil Thisai

Thoothukudi firing case: Madurai Bench seeks status on action against officials and Aruna Jagadeesan report

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court asked the Tamil Nadu government about action against officials linked to the 2018 Thoothukudi firing and the status of the Aruna Jagadeesan Commission report.

NationalThe Hindu - National

Kerala Operation Toofan: 10,213 cases, 9,941 arrests and narcotics worth over ₹100 crore in 76 days

Kerala’s anti-drugs drive Operation Toofan reported more than 10,000 arrests, over 9,000 cases and narcotics seizures worth over ₹100 crore in 76 days.

NationalThe Hindu - National

Rajasthan local body polls: 309 urban bodies to vote in 2 phases on Sept. 9 and 11, 2026

Rajasthan announced elections for 309 urban local bodies in two phases, with vote counting on September 14, 2026.

InternationalThe Hindu - International

U.S. national debt crosses $40 trillion; Congress controls the borrowing limit

The U.S. national debt crossed $40 trillion on August 19, 2026, and Congress retains authority over the statutory debt limit.

SportsHindu Tamil Thisai

Praggnanandhaa qualifies for Grand Chess Tour final after Sinquefield Cup win in St. Louis

R. Praggnanandhaa beat Maxime Vachier-Lagrave in round 8 of the Sinquefield Cup in St. Louis and secured a place in the Grand Chess Tour final.

Tamil NaduHindu Tamil Thisai

Chennai’s 75-day anti-rabies drive vaccinates 22,158 stray dogs in 3 zones

Chennai Corporation said 22,158 stray dogs were vaccinated in 8 days as part of a 75-working-day anti-rabies campaign started on August 11, 2026.

NationalHindu Tamil Thisai

Centre tells Supreme Court new NEET paper leak prevention measures in 2026

The Centre informed the Supreme Court of new NEET anti-leak measures, including four question paper sets, two selections by NTA and video monitoring.

Tamil NaduHindu Tamil Thisai

MRTS to be integrated with Chennai Metro in 2 years after Railway Ministry approval

The Railway Ministry has approved integrating Chennai’s MRTS with Chennai Metro, with a 2-year transition and asset transfer in 90 days.

Tamil NaduHindu Tamil Thisai

Tamil Nadu tourism to launch coastal cruise and boat tourism feasibility studies in 2026

Minister Rajeshkumar announced coastal cruise and luxury boat tourism feasibility studies along key Tamil Nadu routes and major tourism upgrades.

Tamil NaduHindu Tamil Thisai

Tamil Nadu Assembly announces higher honorarium, heritage protection and museum projects in 2026

Tamil Nadu minister Rajmohan announced higher pay for college contract teachers, new research centres, and ₹49 crore for heritage protection in the Assembly.

SchemesHindu Tamil Thisai

Tamil Nadu allocates ₹39,609 crore for MGNREGA in 2025-26, minister says in Assembly

Tamil Nadu said ₹39,609 crore has been allocated for MGNREGA in 2025-26, with a state share of ₹5,057 crore.

NationalHindu Tamil Thisai

Centre approves ₹2,229 crore third and fourth railway lines between Gummidipoondi and Gudur

The Union Cabinet approved a ₹2,229 crore project for third and fourth railway lines on the Gummidipoondi–Gudur route.

Tamil NaduHindu Tamil Thisai

TN Police launches Internal Vigilance Cells to handle bribery complaints against police personnel

Tamil Nadu DGP ordered Internal Vigilance Cells in all districts and commissionerates to receive complaints on bribery, misconduct and abuse of power.

Tamil NaduThe Hindu - Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu boosts archaeology funding to ₹10 crore; 76 monuments, 15 sites and museum plans announced

Tamil Nadu announced higher allocations for archaeology, heritage conservation, folk arts and museums in the 2026 Assembly statement.