Current Affairs · 20–26 July 2026
TNPSC current affairs for the week of 20–26 July 2026, grouped by day.
26 July 2026
15 storiesKargil Vijay Diwas 2026: Operation Vijay, Drass memorial tribute and key facts for TNPSC
India marked the 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas on 26 July 2026, recalling Operation Vijay and the 1999 Kargil war victory.
Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026: July 26 marks India’s 1999 victory and national tribute
India observed Kargil Vijay Diwas on July 26, recalling the 1999 war and the Indian Army’s victory in Kargil.
Tamil Nadu extends Seventh State Finance Commission tenure to Dec 31, 2026
Tamil Nadu extended the Seventh State Finance Commission’s tenure by four months, shifting its report deadline to December 31, 2026.
Visakhapatnam SIR-2026 digitises 20.23 lakh electors; draft roll on July 31, final roll on Oct. 3
Visakhapatnam completed digitisation of enumeration forms for 20,23,009 electors under SIR-2026, with the draft roll due on July 31 and final roll on October 3, 2026.
Kerala clears 73,024 priority ration cards under 100-day programme; free rations from Aug. 3
Kerala approved 73,024 priority ration card applications, exceeding its 50,000 target, and will start free ration distribution from August 3, 2026.
Black Sea attack on MV OMORFI: Indian seafarer killed, 10 crew on board, India’s maritime security concern
India said one of 3 Indian crew members died after MV OMORFI was attacked in the Black Sea on 18 July 2026.
Aralam Farm tusker KM1 capture order: Wildlife Protection Act Section 11(1)(a) and radio collar use
Kerala ordered capture of tusker KM1 under Section 11(1)(a) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, with radio collar monitoring.
Rajnath Singh marks 27th Kargil Vijay Diwas in Dras, reiterates India’s stand on PoK
On Kargil Vijay Diwas 2026, Rajnath Singh spoke in Dras and linked India’s response to Pakistan with PoK and Operation Sindoor.
ICMR warns of child obesity in India, citing 4.1 crore affected children
ICMR has issued guidance after a 2026 obesity report said 4.1 crore children in India are overweight or obese.
Chennai Metro plans Kilambakkam-Chengalpattu and Ashok Nagar-Wimco Nagar extensions
CMRL has invited tenders to prepare DPRs for two metro rail extension proposals in Chennai.
TN medical counselling gets 2-day extension for MBBS and BDS 2026-27 admissions
Tamil Nadu has extended online application time by 2 days for MBBS and BDS counselling for 2026-27 admissions.
Centre again rejects Metro Rail for Coimbatore and Madurai, backs BRTS plan
The Centre has again rejected Metro Rail proposals for Coimbatore and Madurai and recommended Bus Rapid Transit System (BRTS) instead.
Tamil Nadu to host 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting at Mamallapuram in August 2026
Tamil Nadu will host the 31st Southern Zonal Council meeting at Mamallapuram in August 2026, chaired by Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Tamil Nadu extends Seventh State Finance Commission till Dec. 31, 2026
Tamil Nadu extended the Seventh State Finance Commission’s tenure by four months, from August 31 to December 31, 2026.
APCPDCL rooftop solar connections cross 50,000 under PM Surya Ghar scheme
APCPDCL has installed 50,114 rooftop solar connections with 180 MW capacity under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana.
25 July 2026
15 storiesGold price in Chennai jumps ₹560 per sovereign on 25 July 2026; 24K falls sharply
On 25 July 2026 in Chennai, 22K gold rose by ₹560 per sovereign while 24K gold fell sharply and silver stayed unchanged.
SpaceX Starship’s 13th test flight: 407-foot rocket, V3 version and Starlink deployment
SpaceX launched Starship on its 13th flight, testing 6 camera-equipped Starlinks and heat-shield sensors for future lunar missions.
UN chief Antonio Guterres to visit Syria on July 25, 2026 amid post-war transition
Antonio Guterres will visit Syria on July 25, 2026, the first trip by a serving UN chief since the 2011 war began.
U.S. court blocks $100,000 H-1B visa fee; key ruling on Congress authority and visa costs
A U.S. appeals court on July 24, 2026 refused to revive the Trump administration’s $100,000 H-1B visa fee, citing lack of congressional authorisation.
Tamil Nadu HR&CE suspends two temple staff over irregularities at Vadapalani and Samayapuram
The Tamil Nadu HR&CE Minister suspended two employees linked to irregularities at Vadapalani and Samayapuram temples.
Keltron’s ₹8,000 Shravan hearing aid and Kerala’s 13-acre electronics village plan
Keltron’s Moodadi unit in Kozhikode makes the Shravan digital hearing aid at ₹8,000 and plans a 13-acre electronics village.
Odisha HCLTech AI data centre MoU: ₹14,257 crore investment, 5,000+ jobs
Odisha signed an MoU with HCLTech for an AI Data Centre and global delivery centre with an estimated ₹14,257 crore investment.
Maharashtra waives ₹48,000 crore farm power dues amid MSEDCL restructuring and IPO plan
Maharashtra announced a ₹48,000 crore waiver of farmers’ pending electricity dues while restructuring MSEDCL for a possible IPO.
Chhattisgarh to table UCC Bill in Winter Session after five-member committee review
Chhattisgarh will table a Uniform Civil Code Bill in the Winter Session after a five-member committee headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.
Viswanathan Anand becomes FIDE interim president after Arkady Dvorkovich steps aside
Viswanathan Anand was appointed FIDE interim president after Arkady Dvorkovich stepped aside amid EU sanctions.
Tamil Nadu engineering counselling: 35,214 provisional allotments in first round, final order on July 27, 2026
Tamil Nadu engineering admissions issued provisional allotment orders to 35,214 candidates in the first round on July 25, 2026.
Pallikaranai Ramsar wetland case: Madras High Court asks SEIAA to respond on revoked clearance
The Madras High Court directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority to respond in a case over revoked clearance for 1,250 apartments near the Pallikaranai Ramsar wetland.
India road accident deaths crossed 1.8 lakh in 2025, with 502 deaths a day
Government data placed in the Lok Sabha showed that India recorded over 1.8 lakh road accident deaths in 2025, averaging 502 deaths per day.
National Honour Act amendment seeks punishment for disrupting Vande Mataram in Rajya Sabha
A 2026 amendment bill was introduced in the Rajya Sabha to punish those who deliberately disrupt or prevent the singing of Vande Mataram.
Public Examinations Act 2024 amended: tougher jail, ₹10 crore fine and fast-track courts for paper leaks
The Union Cabinet approved amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, raising penalties and enabling fast-track courts.
24 July 2026
15 storiesICC prosecutor Karim Khan removal vote in New York: 125 States Parties, U.S. sanctions, and 2024 Gaza warrants
On July 24, 2026, the ICC’s 125-member Assembly of States Parties is voting in New York on whether to remove chief prosecutor Karim Khan.
Red Sea attacks and Bab el-Mandeb risk: why Saudi oil disruption can hit India
A July 23, 2026 report said Houthi attacks on Saudi tankers pushed oil above $100 a barrel and could affect India’s crude imports through Bab el-Mandeb.
West Asia war triggers 26,000 flight cancellations; impact on India’s aviation and fuel costs
The Centre told Lok Sabha that nearly 26,000 international flights were cancelled by Indian airlines till July 20, 2026 due to the West Asia conflict.
Cauvery water dispute: Anbumani seeks new board with dam-management powers
Anbumani urged Tamil Nadu to seek a new Cauvery management board with powers similar to the Bhakra Beas board.
NEET’s three promises failed, says M.K. Stalin; calls for state control over medical admissions
On July 2026, M.K. Stalin said NEET failed on its three promises and urged transfer of medical admission powers to States.
ECI’s 2026 Special Intensive Revision in Manipur: 1,58,677 deleted electors and claims process
The Election Commission’s 2026 Special Intensive Revision in Manipur deleted 1,58,677 electors, with claims and objections open until August 4, 2026.
U.S. imposes 10% tariff on Indian goods under Section 301 over forced-labour imports
The U.S. imposed 10% tariffs on Indian goods on July 24, 2026 under Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974, citing forced-labour import concerns.
U.S. imposes 10% tariffs on Indian goods under Section 301; India’s 2025 trade with U.S. nears $141 billion
The U.S. imposed 10% tariffs on Indian goods on July 24, 2026 under Section 301, while bilateral goods trade in 2025 was nearly $141 billion.
Sonam Wangchuk ends 26-day hunger strike over NEET paper leak reforms; 65 MPs backed the protest
Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike on July 24, 2026, after 65 MPs supported his demand for education reforms and action on paper leaks.
Centre to discuss tougher anti-paper leak law; 22 lakh NEET candidates and fast-track courts in focus
On July 24, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said a new law with fast-track courts and stricter punishment for paper leaks would be discussed in the Union Cabinet.
CAG flags ₹92,132.75 crore pending utilisation certificates in Bihar; budget spending and MGNREGA gaps exposed
The CAG’s 2024-25 Bihar report, tabled on July 23, 2026, flagged 62,632 pending utilisation certificates worth ₹92,132.75 crore and major budgetary and MGNREGA lapses.
Lok Sabha update: over 6.17 lakh Waqf properties validated on UMEED Central Portal-2025
The Ministry of Minority Affairs told the Lok Sabha that 6.17 lakh-plus Waqf properties were validated on the UMEED Central Portal-2025 under the Waqf digitisation drive.
Tamil Nadu launches no-physical-presence registration from August 17 for first-time land and house buyers
Tamil Nadu will implement a no-physical-presence registration system from August 17 for first-time land and house buyers, aiming to reduce time and travel cost.
Tamil Nadu school education issues new curriculum guidelines with 70% student participation in classroom activities
Tamil Nadu School Education Department has issued new curriculum guidelines requiring 70% student participation in classroom activities and competency-based assessment.
Tamil Nadu Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme tenders 3-year food preparation contract for 1-8 classes
Tamil Nadu has invited tenders for a 3-year food preparation contract under the Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme, covering 1-8 classes in government and aided schools.
23 July 2026
15 storiesFrance becomes first EU nation to ban social media access for children under 15
France passed a law on July 21, 2026 banning social media access for children under 15, with phased enforcement from September 2026 and January 2027.
Women’s reservation bill protest at Raj Bhavan in Chennai over delimitation and census conditions
In Chennai on July 22, 2026, over 300 women protested for immediate passage of the 33% women’s reservation bill without delimitation or census conditions.
Sikkim tunnel collapse: death toll rises to 20; NHPC project and relief details
In Sikkim’s Namchi district, the Teesta hydropower tunnel collapse linked to an NHPC project left 20 dead, with 12 bodies recovered and 5 still missing.
West Bengal Assembly: CM’s women-safety push, police hiring and response-time reforms
West Bengal CM announced police and women-safety reforms in the Assembly on July 22, 2026, including 20,000 constable hires and a 12-minute to 6-minute response-time target.
Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh pushes self-reliant India and indigenous defence production
On 22 July 2026 at Karwar, Air Chief Marshal Amar Preet Singh urged faster self-reliant defence production and praised INS Malvan.
Parliament Monsoon Session 2026: NEET debate, Supreme Court judges bill and PAC reports
On 23 July 2026, Parliament’s Monsoon Session saw NEET-related protests, a judges bill debate and PAC reports on the agenda.
PM Modi orders fast-track courts for paper leak cases in 2026
On 23 July 2026, PM Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases to ensure swift punishment.
இந்தியா சூரிய மின் உற்பத்தியில் முன்னணி: ஐ.நா. காலநிலை தலைவர் சைமன் ஸ்டீல்
UN climate chief Simon Stiell said India has become a leading country in solar power generation and its solar capacity is 50 times higher than in 2014.
உச்ச நீதிமன்றம்: பசுமைப் பட்டாசு பாதிப்பு குறித்து மத்திய மாசுக் கட்டுப்பாடு வாரியம் 2 வாரத்தில் அறிக்கை
The Supreme Court asked the Central Pollution Control Board to submit a report within two weeks on the pros and cons and environmental impact of green crackers.
Madurai Bench asks Tamil Nadu to consider paid menstrual leave for private-sector women employees
On 23 July 2026, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court asked Tamil Nadu to consider paid menstrual leave for women in private companies.
TN judiciary expansion plan to reduce case backlog: more lower courts across the state
Tamil Nadu’s Law Minister said in July 2026 that the state is increasing lower courts to reduce case backlog.
TN’s ‘Neer Ezhil Palli’ wastewater recycling scheme: school-level water reuse and groundwater recharge
Tamil Nadu launched the ‘Neer Ezhil Palli’ scheme in July 2026 to recycle wastewater in government schools and reuse about 25,000 litres daily.
PM Modi’s fast-track court push on paper leak cases: TNPSC focus on governance and exam integrity
On 23 July 2026, PM Narendra Modi said fast-track courts will be set up to punish paper-leak offenders quickly.
Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu invites PM Modi to Bogapuram airport inauguration on 1 August 2026
On 22 July 2026, Andhra CM Chandrababu Naidu invited PM Modi to the Bogapuram airport inauguration on 1 August 2026.
குஜராத்தில் 34 மாவட்ட மருத்துவமனைகளில் 15 படுக்கை போதைமருந்து விடுப்பு மையங்கள்: ₹14.90 கோடி ஒதுக்கீடு
Gujarat approved 15-bed de-addiction centres in all 34 district hospitals with ₹14.90 crore administrative sanction for 2026-27.
22 July 2026
15 storiesU.S. tariff reset: 10% global levy expiry, 60 trading partners, Section 338 of Tariff Act 1930
The U.S. is preparing new tariffs after the 10% global levy expires on July 24, 2026, with duties aimed at 60 trading partners.
U.S.-Iran conflict and Hormuz warning: West Asia war, $37.5 billion U.S. cost, 11th night of strikes
On July 22, 2026, the U.S. said it had completed the 11th night of strikes on Iran, while Pete Hegseth said the war had cost $37.5 billion.
Karnataka SIR voter verification: doorstep PRC and caste certificate delivery launched
Karnataka launched doorstep delivery of Permanent Residence Certificates and free caste certificates during the ongoing SIR of electoral rolls.
Manipur surrender of 46 KCP(PWG) cadres: key facts on banned insurgent group
On July 21, 2026, 46 cadres of the banned KCP(PWG) surrendered in Manipur with 28 weapons at Assam Rifles headquarters.
UN food security report 2026: Africa overtakes Asia in hunger burden
A 2026 UN report said Africa became the continent with the largest number of people facing hunger, with 309 million affected in 2025.
Chennai police commissioner launches anti-drug pledge drive for 6,000 students in 2026 awareness camp
At a July 2026 awareness camp in Chennai, Commissioner A. Amalraj launched a new anti-drug logo and led 6,000 school and college students in an anti-drug pledge.
Tamil Nadu power project at Uppur: 1,600 MW thermal plant and ₹5,847 crore issue highlighted in 2026
A 1,600 MW thermal project at Uppur in Ramanathapuram, announced in 2016 and later stalled in 2021, was highlighted again in July 2026 with a reported cost of ₹5,847 crore.
UK appoints India-born Kanishka Narayan as first dedicated AI minister in 2026 cabinet reshuffle
In July 2026, India-born MP Kanishka Narayan was made the UK’s first dedicated AI minister and elevated to Cabinet rank under Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Tamil Nadu orders ban on tobacco sales in TASMAC bars in July 2026
Tamil Nadu has ordered that tobacco products, including beedi and cigarettes, cannot be sold in TASMAC bars and warned of cancellation for violations.
PM Modi says preventing exam paper leaks is a national responsibility amid NEET leak row in July 2026
At an NDA MPs meeting in Delhi, PM Narendra Modi said preventing exam paper leaks is a national responsibility and stressed strict punishment for offenders.
Sikkim mine collapse after methane leak kills 10 workers at Teesta Stage VI project in July 2026
A methane gas leak caused a tunnel collapse at the Teesta Stage VI hydropower project in Sikkim, killing 10 workers and leaving more trapped.
India condemns attack on MV Golden Leo in Ukraine that killed 4 Indian sailors in July 2026
India summoned the Russian ambassador after 4 Indian sailors died in a missile attack on the merchant vessel MV Golden Leo near Odesa, Ukraine.
Campus Biodiversity Register initiative launched for colleges and universities across India
NCF and the National Biodiversity Authority have launched a year-long initiative to create Campus Biodiversity Registers in higher education institutions.
NITI Aayog Investment Friendliness Index 2026 places Tamil Nadu among top five states
NITI Aayog’s first Investment Friendliness Index 2026 ranked Tamil Nadu among the top five states.
Tamil Nadu heat-stress health study to build personalised risk tool across Chennai and Mayiladuthurai sites
A Tamil Nadu-Karnataka study will assess heat stress on physical and mental health and develop a personalised heat-risk tool.
21 July 2026
15 storiesMadras High Court seeks Tamil Nadu prison department reply in alleged assault on life convict at Salem Central Prison
The Madras High Court has ordered the Tamil Nadu prison administration to respond in a case alleging assault on a life convict at Salem Central Prison.
Tamil Nadu Tasmac to buy liquor equally from all 17 manufacturers: procurement policy change
Tasmac has decided to procure liquor in equal quantities from all 17 manufacturers, replacing the earlier brand-wise sales-linked purchase system.
Madras High Court orders fresh notice in Perambur election victory challenge case
The Madras High Court ordered fresh notice in the election petition challenging the Perambur constituency victory and adjourned the case by two weeks.
Updated Index of Core Industries: base year 2022-23, iron ore added, weights revised
India’s Index of Core Industries has been updated with 2022-23 as the base year, nine sectors, and revised weights including iron ore.
Trump’s 50% tariff on Canadian goods: Section 338 of Tariff Act 1930 used for first time
On July 21, 2026, Donald Trump ordered a new 50% tariff on many Canadian goods using Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930.
U.S. fixed-period F, J, I visa rule: 4-year cap, 30-day departure window and EOS filing
The U.S. DHS order of July 16, 2026 replaces duration-of-status stay with fixed admission periods for F, J and I visas.
Ajit Doval’s Saudi visit highlights energy security, maritime corridors and India-Gulf ties
NSA Ajit Doval met Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan in Riyadh on July 20, 2026 to discuss energy security and maritime corridors.
Skyroot’s Vikram-1 became India’s third private-orbit launch after the U.S. and China
Skyroot’s Vikram-1 launched from Sriharikota on July 18, 2026 and placed payloads in orbit about 450 km above Earth.
India approves first dengue vaccine Qdenga under Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940
CDSCO has granted marketing authorisation to Qdenga, India’s first dengue vaccine, for ages 4 to 60 years.
Updated Index of Core Industries: base year 2022-23, nine sectors, and revised weights
India’s Index of Core Industries has been updated with base year 2022-23, nine sectors, and revised sector weights aligned with IIP.
Tamil Nadu Budget 2026-27 to be tabled on August 5; Agriculture Budget on August 6
Tamil Nadu Assembly will table the 2026-27 Budget on August 5, 2026 at 10 a.m., followed by the Agriculture Budget on August 6.
PM backs students in NEET paper leak issue; government says strict action needed
At an NDA MPs’ meeting in Parliament, PM Narendra Modi said students must be supported in the NEET paper leak issue and strict action should follow.
InvenTree-meta: India’s largest tree inventory meta-dataset covers 465 studies and 4,650 hectares
NCBS-led researchers compiled InvenTree-meta from 465 studies conducted between 1991 and 2023 across more than 4,650 hectares.
Kerala State Planning Board reconstituted with K.M. Chandrasekhar as vice chairperson
Kerala reconstituted its State Planning Board with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan as chairperson and K.M. Chandrasekhar as vice chairperson.
Karnataka SIR row highlights electoral roll revision, BLO duties, and disciplinary notices
The Karnataka SIR episode brings focus to BLO progress targets, enumeration forms, and electoral roll verification procedures.
20 July 2026
15 storiesKerala Palakkad double murder case: death penalty, ₹20 lakh fine and rarest-of-rare ruling
A Palakkad court sentenced convict Chenthamara to death in the Pothundy twin murder case and imposed ₹20 lakh compensation for the victims’ orphaned daughters.
Sundarbans border fencing plan: BSF’s 90-km proposal raises ecology and security questions
The BSF has explored a 90-km fencing proposal in the Sundarbans along the Indo-Bangladesh border, with concerns over mangroves, wildlife movement and land acquisition.
Parliament Monsoon Session 2026: five new Bills listed, delimitation legislation absent
The government’s Monsoon Session agenda listed five new Bills but did not mention delimitation legislation.
Monsoon Session 2026: Bill to protect Vande Mataram and other key legislative proposals listed
The government listed the 2026 Monsoon Session Bills, including a proposal to criminalise insult to Vande Mataram.
CIC asks IITs to form high-level committees on student suicides; RTI and privacy issues highlighted
The CIC directed IITs to set up high-level committees after noting recurring suicides and privacy-related RTI disputes.
Vikram-1 launch on July 18 links India’s 1980 SLV-3 milestone with Abdul Kalam’s legacy
Skyroot’s Vikram-1 launch on July 18, 2026 was tied to India’s 1980 SLV-3 success and Abdul Kalam’s role in it.
Vellalore excavation in Coimbatore: 1,000 artefacts and Tamil Nadu archaeology findings
Tamil Nadu archaeology has unearthed about 1,000 artefacts at Vellalore on the Noyyal riverbed, pointing to multiple historical periods and an ancient trade route.
Pallikaranai marshland notification: why Chennai’s wetland matters for water security
PMK has urged the Tamil Nadu government to officially notify the Pallikaranai marshland and protect it from encroachment and dumping.
Ken-Betwa Link Project: India’s first river-linking project, displacement and water transfer facts
Tribals in Madhya Pradesh are protesting the ₹44,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project, India’s first river-linking project, over rehabilitation and compensation concerns.
CIC order on IIT campus suicides: RTI, privacy and preventive committees
The CIC has asked IITs to form high-level committees to prevent student suicides while upholding privacy limits under RTI law.
Tamil Nadu TLPS 2025: 71% classrooms lack teacher checking of written work
TLPS 2025 found that teachers did not check written work in 71% of Tamil Nadu classrooms sampled across 3 districts.
Rupee at 96.42 against dollar: key forex and market facts for TNPSC
On July 20, 2026, the rupee fell to 96.42 per U.S. dollar amid higher crude prices, capital outflows and a stronger dollar demand.
NITI Aayog 2026 investment-friendly states index: Gujarat 1st, Tamil Nadu 3rd
NITI Aayog’s 2026 index ranked Gujarat first, Maharashtra second and Tamil Nadu third among 17 major states.
West Bengal to use Bengali in official communication from 1 September 2026
West Bengal will prioritise Bengali in all official government work from 1 September 2026, with Bengali and Hindi used for Central Government communication.
Kerala’s CEMS 2026-27: 33 schemes from 8 departments for real-time monitoring
Kerala will subject 33 schemes from 8 departments to CEMS in 2026-27 for real-time evaluation and reporting.