Current Affairs · 10–16 August 2026
TNPSC current affairs for the week of 10–16 August 2026, grouped by day.
15 August 2026
15 storiesStrait of Hormuz crisis: Iran, Trump and the oil route carrying one-fifth of global exports
On 15 August 2026, Iran and the U.S. remained locked in a West Asia conflict that threatened the Strait of Hormuz, through which one in five barrels of global oil exports passed before the war.
Hyderabad on 15 August 1947: two Independence Days amid Nizam rule and Join Indian Union campaign
The report recalls how Hyderabad saw parallel Independence Day observances on 15 August 1947 under Nizam rule, flag-hoisting drives, arrests, and the Join Indian Union campaign.
Vande Mataram at Red Fort: 150-year national song milestone and 1950 adoption
On 15 August 2026, Vande Mataram was rendered at the Red Fort as India marked 150 years of the national song and its 1950 adoption by the Constituent Assembly.
Rahul Gandhi defamation case quashed: Supreme Court, Savarkar remarks and sanction issue
The Supreme Court quashed the criminal defamation case over Rahul Gandhi’s 2022 remarks on V.D. Savarkar after noting that state sanction for prosecution had not been granted.
Supreme Court on BCI-NALSAR row: enrolment, dissent and legal education under scrutiny
On 14 August 2026, the Supreme Court restrained the Bar Council of India from coercive action against NALSAR students and asked for an explanation within two weeks.
President Murmu’s 2026 Independence Day eve address: youth, exams, Khelo India and welfare facts
On 14 August 2026, President Droupadi Murmu highlighted India’s youth, exam reforms, Khelo India, Operation Sindoor, and welfare milestones in her Independence Day eve address.
Independence Day 2026: 80th Red Fort ceremony, Vande Mataram and Delhi security for TNPSC
India marked its 80th Independence Day on 15 August 2026 at the Red Fort, with Vande Mataram rendered for the first time and over 25,000 security personnel deployed in Delhi.
Centre removes 12-minute ad cap for TV channels under Cable Television Networks Rules, 1994
The Union government decided on August 14, 2026 to remove the 12-minute advertisement cap for television channels.
TASMAC bans sale of 11 liquor variants after FSSAI finds artificial flavouring
TASMAC ordered a ban on 11 liquor variants after FSSAI found artificial flavouring substances in a Tiruvallur distillery.
UP IPS officer G. Muniraj gets President’s Medal for gallantry on Independence Day 2026
Tamil-origin IPS officer G. Muniraj was selected for the President’s Medal for gallantry announced on August 15, 2026.
TN B.Ed. admission 2026-27: 1,800 students get first allotment; 2,040 seats in 21 colleges
Tamil Nadu released the first B.Ed. college allotment order for 1,800 students in the 2026-27 admission cycle.
Tamil Nadu Police Special Medals 2026: 15 officers selected for investigation and public service
On Independence Day 2026, Tamil Nadu announced special police medals for 15 officers, including 10 for investigation and 5 for public service.
Madras High Court circular: Vande Mataram to be sung before flag hoisting in courts on Independence Day 2026
The Madras High Court Registrar General ordered all courts in Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to sing Vande Mataram before flag hoisting on 15 August 2026.
Independence Day 2026 at Red Fort: PM Narendra Modi hoists the national flag in Delhi
On 15 August 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi hoisted the tricolour at the Red Fort and addressed the nation in Delhi.
Tamil Nadu Independence Day 2026: CM Vijay hoists flag at Fort St. George and presents state awards
On 15 August 2026, Chief Minister Vijay hoisted the national flag at Fort St. George in Chennai and announced state awards and security arrangements.
14 August 2026
14 storiesHormuz Strait control dispute: Iran-US claims, shipping security and Gulf geopolitics
The Hormuz Strait dispute highlights Iran-US claims over a key global shipping route and the security of crude oil transport in the Gulf.
NCB secures UAE extradition of fugitive drug kingpin Virender Singh Basoya in India’s zero-tolerance narcotics drive
On 14 August 2026, the NCB brought back fugitive drug kingpin Virender Singh Basoya from the UAE, marking a zero-tolerance narcotics enforcement step.
Presenceless document registration from 17 August 2026: TN registration department’s 24x7 online process
Tamil Nadu registration department will make first-sale registration of apartments and plots mandatory through presenceless mode from 17 August 2026.
Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple processional idol restored after damage; devotees allowed from Aug 8, 2026
The damaged processional idol at Kanchipuram Varadaraja Perumal Temple was restored in August 2026 and devotees were allowed darshan from 8 August.
Chennai Nehru Stadium synthetic track renovated for ₹8 crore; Tamil Nadu sports infrastructure push
On 14 August 2026, Sports Minister Adhav Arjuna inaugurated the ₹8 crore renovated synthetic athletics track at Chennai’s Jawaharlal Nehru Indoor Stadium.
Vizhinjam International Seaport to begin export-import operations from 18 August 2026
Kerala announced that export-import operations at Vizhinjam International Seaport near Thiruvananthapuram will begin on 18 August 2026.
NASA invites ISRO to join Moon Base programme under Artemis Accords
At the ninth India-U.S. Civil Space Joint Working Group meeting in Bengaluru on 5-6 August, NASA formally invited ISRO to join its Moon Base programme.
Independence Day 2026: 1,057 personnel get Gallantry and Service Medals from MHA
On 14 August 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs announced 1,057 Gallantry and Service Medals for police, fire, home guard, civil defence and correctional services personnel.
Supreme Court questions FSSAI delay on front-of-pack warning labels for packaged food
The Supreme Court on 13 August 2026 criticised FSSAI for not introducing front-of-pack warning labels on packaged foods showing sugar, salt and saturated fat levels.
Centre tells taxi apps not to ask for tips before rides under 2025 aggregator rules
The Centre has told online taxi companies to stop asking for tips in advance and align app changes with the 2025 Motor Vehicle Aggregator Rules.
Chennai Corporation suspends property tax reassessment after public opposition
On 14 August 2026, Chennai Corporation Commissioner G.S. Samiran announced suspension of the revised property tax reassessment process.
Supreme Court gives 2-week deadline on warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat
On 14 August 2026, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to decide within two weeks on front-of-pack warning labels for packaged foods high in sugar, salt and fat.
Census 2027: 40-question household schedule to record caste, Aadhaar, voter ID and Covid vaccination details
The Union Government notified 40 census questions on 14 August 2026, including caste, Aadhaar, voter ID and Covid-19 vaccination details.
India’s Shruti Joshi wins gold in Commonwealth fencing team sabre and bronze in individual event
Shruti Joshi won gold in the women’s team sabre and bronze in the individual sabre at a Commonwealth fencing event in Nigeria.
13 August 2026
15 storiesTamil Nadu organ donation model: 268 deceased donors in 2024, 266 in 2025, and 1,476 organs utilised
Tamil Nadu’s deceased organ donation programme grew from 7 in its first year to 266 in 2025, with 1,476 organs utilised that year.
Odisha DGP appointment controversy highlights Prakash Singh norms and UPSC panel procedure
The Odisha DGP appointment process has triggered controversy over the Supreme Court’s Prakash Singh guidelines and the UPSC panel of senior IPS officers.
FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 likely to be sent to JPC after Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution
The Union government is likely to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee after opposition from Tamil Nadu and others.
Lok Sabha sends Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to JPC amid minority concerns
The Lok Sabha adopted a motion to refer the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
Lok Sabha panel says charges proved in Justice Yashwant Varma cash case; inquiry under Judges (Inquiry) Act
A Lok Sabha-appointed inquiry committee said the charges against Justice Yashwant Varma were proved in the cash-discovery case.
CJI Sanjiv Khanna sets 3-member inquiry committee in Justice Yashwant Varma cash-discovery case
The Chief Justice of India formed a three-member committee to probe allegations linked to cash found at Justice Yashwant Varma’s official residence.
Madhya Pradesh HC: rape survivors need no court nod for abortion up to 24 weeks under MTP Act, 1971
The Madhya Pradesh High Court said rape survivors with pregnancies up to 24 weeks can seek legal termination without court permission under the MTP Act, 1971.
Parliamentary panel recommends capping private hospital room rent at 3-star hotel rates
A 176th report of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health recommended linking private hospital room rent to 3-star hotel rates and standardising treatment charges.
Madras High Court seeks Tamil Nadu reply on action taken on Thoothukudi firing commission report
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court asked Tamil Nadu to explain whether the Thoothukudi firing commission report was accepted and acted upon.
Sri Lanka approves return of Tamil refugees from India with pre-2006 exit and identity conditions
Sri Lanka’s Cabinet approved immigration permission for refugees in India to return if they left before 1 June 2006 and prove identity through the Sri Lankan mission in India.
West Bengal Assembly passes delimitation bills for Kolkata and Howrah municipal wards
The West Bengal Assembly passed two 2026 bills to raise Kolkata wards from 144 to 209 and Howrah wards from 50 to 68 before civic polls.
India blocks 3,718 mobile apps in 5 years to curb cyber fraud; ₹11,158 crore saved through complaint system
The Union government said 3,718 mobile apps were blocked in five years and ₹11,158 crore was saved through the cyber fraud complaint system.
Tamil Nadu to cancel old smart meter tender and float fresh bids for 56 lakh domestic and 50 lakh commercial meters
Tamil Nadu plans a fresh tender for 56 lakh domestic smart meters and 50 lakh commercial/industrial meters after cancelling the earlier 3 crore-meter tender.
Supreme Court posts Cauvery water dispute hearing to August 17, 2026; Tamil Nadu seeks 3,500 cusecs for 15 days
The Supreme Court adjourned the Cauvery dispute hearing to August 17, 2026, while Tamil Nadu seeks implementation of the CWMA order for 3,500 cusecs for 15 days.
Tamil Nadu approves ₹86.94 crore for sanitation and toilet maintenance in rural government schools for 2026-27
Tamil Nadu has sanctioned ₹86.94 crore for toilet maintenance, classroom cleaning and sanitation materials in rural and panchayat union schools in 2026-27.
12 August 2026
14 storiesMarina police firing case: 2001 DMK rally, 5 deaths and Bhaktavatsalam Commission findings
The 2001 Marina rally led to police firing, five DMK cadre deaths, and a one-man inquiry commission that later upheld the police action.
Trump’s Iran war options, frozen assets and U.S. munitions: key international facts for TNPSC
In August 2026, Donald Trump said the U.S. could let Iran fail economically or strike it hard, while referring to frozen Iranian assets and U.S. munitions output.
Arunachal Pradesh reaffirmed as integral part of India after China’s objection to official map
India reiterated that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inseparable part of the country after China objected to an official map covering 27 places.
FCRA Bill likely to be sent to JPC: foreign donations, Parliament scrutiny and key provisions
The Centre is planning to send the FCRA Amendment Bill, introduced in March, to a Joint Parliamentary Committee amid opposition and NGO concerns.
Tamil Nadu Assembly likely to seek freeze on Lok Sabha seats at 543 amid delimitation debate
On 11 August 2026, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay was expected to move an Assembly resolution seeking to keep Lok Sabha strength at 543 and retain the current seat distribution.
Tamil Nadu’s July Cauvery inflow hits 50-year low at 0.698 tmc ft
Tamil Nadu’s July 2026 Cauvery realisation fell to 0.698 tmc ft, the lowest July figure in 50 years, far below the stipulated 31.24 tmc ft.
Cauvery bodies review water situation as Tamil Nadu receives only 4.6 tmc ft in August
On 6 August 2026, Tamil Nadu had received about 4.6 tmc ft in August and 8.3 tmc ft cumulatively since 1 June, prompting CWMA and CWRC review meetings.
CWMA backs 12,000 cusecs Cauvery release to Tamil Nadu for 15 days
CWMA on 11 August 2026 endorsed CWRC’s order directing Karnataka to release 12,000 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
Women’s Junior National Hockey Championship 2026: 30 teams, divisions and promotion rules
The 16th women’s junior national hockey championship began in Pune on August 12, 2026 with 30 teams across three divisions.
Singfield Cup 2026: Praggnanandhaa draws Round 1 in Saint Louis, key chess facts
Praggnanandhaa drew his first-round game at the 9-round Sinquefield Cup in Saint Louis on August 11, 2026.
U.S. blockade of Iran ports: CENTCOM says 55 ships redirected as of Aug 11, 2026
CENTCOM said on August 11, 2026 that 55 ships had been redirected under the U.S. blockade of Iran’s ports.
Total solar eclipse on Aug 12, 2026 will not be visible in India; Spain lies on path of totality
A total solar eclipse occurs on August 12, 2026, but it will not be visible from India because it happens at night IST.
U.S. court dismisses criminal cases against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and Vineet Jain
A New York federal court dismissed criminal cases against Gautam Adani, Sagar Adani and Vineet Jain in August 2026.
Congress special general council in Chennai on Aug 20, 2026: Rajiv Gandhi birth anniversary event with KC Venugopal
The Tamil Nadu Congress will hold a special general council meeting in Chennai on August 20, 2026, to mark Rajiv Gandhi’s birth anniversary.
11 August 2026
15 storiesU.S. court drops Gautam Adani graft case linked to $265 million bribery allegations
A U.S. judge on August 10, 2026 dismissed the case against Gautam Adani after prosecutors dropped 2024 fraud and bribery allegations.
Australia census 2026 adds optional gender identity and sexual orientation questions
Australia’s August 11, 2026 census included optional questions on sexual orientation and gender identity for people aged 16 and above.
Colombia 7.4-magnitude earthquake: emergency declared after 111 deaths and 1,000 buildings damaged
Colombia declared a state of emergency on August 10, 2026 after a 7.4-magnitude earthquake killed at least 111 people and damaged over 1,000 buildings.
Supreme Court on pellet guns: exceptional circumstances, graded police response and July 20 protest case
In July 2026, the Supreme Court said pellet guns may be used in exceptional circumstances as part of a graded police response.
UPI MDR proposal in 2026: Section 10A amendment, 0.25–0.5% charge and ₹2,000 threshold
The 2026 Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill proposes charging specified UPI transactions above ₹2,000 through an MDR of 0.25–0.5%.
Aavin milk procurement crisis: Anbumani urges ₹10 per litre hike to restore supply
Anbumani urged Tamil Nadu to raise Aavin’s milk procurement price by at least ₹10 per litre to address the shortage and revive supply.
Tamil Nadu raises paddy and sugarcane procurement incentives; farmers seek further support
Farmers welcomed Tamil Nadu’s higher procurement incentives for paddy and sugarcane, while groups demanded more support and loan waivers.
Tamil Nadu forms 7-member state committee to recommend non-hereditary temple trustees
Tamil Nadu has formed a 7-member committee under Mailam Bommapuram Adheenam to recommend non-hereditary trustees for temples with annual income above ₹10 lakh.
Supreme Court to hear Tamil Nadu plea on Cauvery water release on August 13, 2026
The Supreme Court will hear Tamil Nadu’s plea seeking enforcement of Cauvery water release orders on August 13, 2026.
Tamil Nadu tells Supreme Court it opposes Navodaya schools and cites state control over education policy
Tamil Nadu filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court opposing the establishment of Navodaya schools in the state.
Tamil Nadu Assembly passes environmental and social welfare tax on liquor sales
The Tamil Nadu Assembly passed a bill to levy an environmental and social welfare cess on liquor sales.
Tamil Nadu to review 7.5% medical quota for government school students through judge-led panel
Tamil Nadu will form a judge-led panel to review the 7.5% internal reservation for government school students in medical admissions.
Jharkhand Assembly protest: students lathi-charged and tear-gassed in Ranchi over JPSC irregularities
In Ranchi, students marching to the Jharkhand Assembly were lathi-charged and tear-gassed during protests over JPSC irregularities.
INCOIS warns of kallakkadal swell waves along Thiruvananthapuram and Kanyakumari coasts till Tuesday night
INCOIS warned of 1.0–1.6 metre swell waves along Thiruvananthapuram and 1.4–1.5 metre waves along Kanyakumari till 11.30 pm on Tuesday.
Rajya Sabha data shows 3.40 lakh PMUY beneficiaries in Karnataka took no LPG refill in 2025-26
Union government data in the Rajya Sabha showed a sharp rise in zero-refill PMUY households in Karnataka between 2021-22 and 2025-26.
10 August 2026
15 storiesTamil Nadu hikes paddy and sugarcane incentives; new rates announced in Assembly
On August 10, 2026, Tamil Nadu announced higher incentives for paddy and sugarcane farmers, including ₹289 per quintal for fine paddy and ₹709.50 per tonne for sugarcane.
Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution makes Tamil Thai Vazhthu first at all official and educational events
The Tamil Nadu Assembly unanimously resolved on August 10, 2026 to make Tamil Thai Vazhthu the first song at institutions and government events.
Tamil Nadu Budget 2026: debt, borrowing and new welfare announcements in first TVK-led Budget
Tamil Nadu’s 2026-27 Budget projected ₹10.98 lakh crore debt, 27.01% debt-to-GSDP ratio, and new welfare measures.
Tamil Nadu police special drive arrests 837 cyber criminals in 48 hours
Tamil Nadu Police arrested 837 cyber criminals in a 48-hour statewide drive against mule account holders from August 6, 2026.
Tamil Nadu to review 7.5% medical reservation for government school students through judge-led panel
Tamil Nadu plans a judge-led committee to review the 7.5% internal reservation for government school students in medical courses.
Rajendra Chola I birth anniversary celebrated as government festival at Gangaikonda Cholapuram
Tamil Nadu celebrated Rajendra Chola I’s Aadi Thiruvathirai birth anniversary at Gangaikonda Cholapuram, highlighting the Chola ruler’s administration, warfare and water management.
Cauvery water dispute: Supreme Court to hear Tamil Nadu’s plea on 13 August 2026
The Supreme Court agreed to hear Tamil Nadu’s fresh plea on Cauvery water release on 13 August 2026, after the state cited shortfalls against CMWC and CWRC orders.
India-China WMCC talks review LAC, border management and trans-border cooperation
India and China held diplomatic talks on 7 August 2026 under the WMCC framework to review the LAC situation and border issues.
India’s first privately built FFSC rocket engine EVEREST marks a major indigenous space-tech milestone
Astrobase Space Technologies unveiled India’s first privately built 800 kN FFSC LOX-Methane engine EVEREST on 7 August 2026.
Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026: digital banking records made admissible in court
Parliament passed the Bankers' Books Evidence Bill, 2026 on 10 August 2026 to align evidence law with digital banking records.
Lok Sabha passes Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026 to create National Tribunals Commission
The Lok Sabha passed the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, to create a National Tribunals Commission with one chairperson and four members.
Tamil Nadu’s July Cauvery inflow hits 50-year low at 0.698 TMC; Biligundulu benchmark remains key
Tamil Nadu received only 0.698 TMC of Cauvery water in July 2026, the lowest July realisation in 50 years, against the stipulated 31.24 TMC.
Supreme Court lists Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery plea early; seeks 3,500 cusecs for 15 days
The Supreme Court agreed to hear Tamil Nadu’s Cauvery water plea early, where the State seeks 3,500 cusecs for 15 days from Karnataka reservoirs.
TN to review 7.5% NEET quota for government school students; commission had recommended 10%
Tamil Nadu will review the 7.5% horizontal reservation for NEET-qualified government school students in medical admissions, after a 2020 commission had recommended 10%.
Tamil Nadu reconstitutes Law Commission; D. Krishnakumar named Chairman for three-year term
Tamil Nadu reconstituted its Law Commission and appointed former Manipur High Court Chief Justice D. Krishnakumar as Chairman.