Current Affairs · 17–23 August 2026
TNPSC current affairs for the week of 17–23 August 2026, grouped by day.
23 August 2026
15 stories7 tribal children re-enrolled in school in Chengalpattu after police rescue drive
In August 2026, Chengalpattu police and a government school headmaster identified 7 tribal children in P.V. Kalathur and re-admitted them to school.
Rajasthan’s first farmer-owned agrivoltaics project shows how solar power and farming can coexist
A 600 kW farmer-owned agrivoltaics pilot in Rajasthan combines maize cultivation with solar power generation on nearly 3 acres.
ICG launches search-and-rescue after Panama-flagged MV Ocean Winner sinks near Odisha
The Indian Coast Guard deployed three ships after MV Ocean Winner sank in the Bay of Bengal with 24 crew members onboard.
Canada–U.S. trade war: 50% tariffs, retaliatory duties and USMCA tensions
Canada halted trade talks with the U.S. after Washington imposed 50% tariffs on about $20 billion of goods and Ottawa announced retaliatory duties.
Supreme Court limits police role in PCPNDT Act cases; Section 28 complaint route clarified
In August 2026, the Supreme Court said police cannot directly investigate or file FIRs under the PCPNDT Act and that complaints must come through a qualified authority under Section 28.
California Assembly recognizes November 8, 2026 as Diwali Day
The California State Assembly passed a resolution officially recognizing November 8, 2026 as Diwali Day, introduced by lawmakers Darshana Patel and Ash Kalra.
Anupriya Patel says India should become the world’s laboratory for AI-driven healthcare and drug discovery
At Healthcare Summit 2026 in Ahmedabad, Union Minister of State Anupriya Patel said AI should help India move from being the world’s pharmacy to the world’s laboratory.
Union Cabinet revamps GOBARdhan scheme with ₹23,731 crore outlay to scale CBG production
On August 9, the Union Cabinet approved a revamped GOBARdhan scheme with ₹23,731 crore outlay to expand compressed biogas production in India until 2036.
Ken-Betwa Link Project: MP CM orders village visits, compensation review for displaced families
Madhya Pradesh CM Mohan Yadav on August 21, 2026 ordered officials to visit affected villages in Panna and Chhatarpur and review compensation for families displaced by the ₹44,000 crore Ken-Betwa Link Project.
DMK fixes 70-year age cap and 3-term limit for district secretaries
DMK’s executive committee decided that district secretaries cannot be older than 70 and cannot hold the post more than three times.
Tamil Nadu Housing Board officials transferred over alleged set-up tender for ₹33 lakh project
Officials linked to a ₹33 lakh tender for name boards in Ashok Nagar housing flats were transferred after allegations of favouring a specific firm.
Madras High Court bars executive officers from interfering in temple worship practices
The Madras High Court ruled that executive officers cannot interfere in worship, rituals, or religious customs at the Triplicane Parthasarathy Swamy Temple.
TNMSC’s 1-paisa gold ring tender for newborns under Thaimaman Thanga மோதிரம் scheme
Tamil Nadu’s Thaimaman Thanga Mothiram scheme will give 1-gram gold rings to babies born in government hospitals from 22 June, with a tender awarded on 14 July.
Vantara treats injured 53-year-old elephant Jaimoti from Nagaland floods
In August 2026, Vantara in Jamnagar received Jaimoti, a 53-year-old female elephant rescued from Nagaland floods, for specialised treatment after severe injuries.
Puri Jagannath Temple treasure inventory to resume on August 31 after 48 years
The Puri Jagannath Temple’s Ratna Bhandar inventory, restarted on March 25, 2026 after 48 years, will continue on August 31 and September 1 using modern technology and 3D mapping.
22 August 2026
15 storiesTamil Nadu’s Vetri Thiran skill training to use IIT Chennai courses for college students and unemployed youth
Tamil Nadu announced Vetri Thiran training with IIT Chennai-linked courses, global certificates, and job-oriented modules for youth and college students.
Sowcar Janaki, veteran actor with 400+ films, dies in Chennai at 94
Veteran actor Sowcar Janaki died in Chennai at 94; she acted in more than 400 films across Tamil, Telugu and Kannada cinema.
Delhi to ban construction for 42 days from Dec 10, 2026 to Jan 20, 2027 amid winter pollution
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced a 42-day construction ban from December 10, 2026 to January 20, 2027 to curb winter air pollution.
Ladakh case withdrawals, Article 371-like talks and 2025 Leh violence: key governance update
Ladakh administration will withdraw cases against 25 people and move toward September 2026 talks with the MHA on special provisions and legislature demands.
UPSC Civil Services Main Exam 2026 begins in Chennai: 933 vacancies, 646 candidates in Tamil Nadu
The UPSC Civil Services Main Examination began in Chennai on Aug. 21, 2026, with 646 candidates in Tamil Nadu and 933 vacancies nationwide.
Two ships hijacked in Yemen-Somalia waters with 22 Indians: piracy, maritime security and rescue efforts
Two cargo vessels carrying 22 Indians were hijacked in the Yemen and Somalia sea regions, prompting rescue and anti-piracy efforts.
TikTok’s $400 million U.S. privacy settlement: COPPA, parental consent and child data rules
TikTok agreed to a $400 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department over allegations tied to children’s privacy and COPPA violations.
DRC Ebola outbreak: WHO sends 70,000 Ervebo doses; 16,250 arrive in Kinshasa on Aug. 21, 2026
WHO announced 70,000 Ervebo doses for the DRC on Aug. 20, 2026, as 16,250 doses reached Kinshasa amid the country’s 17th Ebola outbreak.
Centre caps SIM cards at 9 per person from August 24, 2026; telecom firms get till November 30
The Centre has ordered telecom companies to block new SIM issuance beyond 9 cards per subscriber and complete system changes by November 30, 2026.
Tamil Nadu power cable procurement probe flags over ₹1,000-crore irregularities and identical IP-based bids
The DVAC FIR on TANGEDCO cable procurement cites 2020-21 to 2022-23 purchases worth over ₹1,000 crore, identical bid prices and IP-address patterns.
TNPSC releases eligibility list for TANGEDCO field assistant physical test under ITI Grade-3 recruitment
TNPSC has published the eligible candidates list for the TANGEDCO Field Assistant physical test under the Combined Technical Services Examination (ITI Grade-3).
POCSO courts in 17 districts, new special courts and prison upgrades announced in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu announced POCSO courts in 17 districts, special NDPS courts, and prison and law college infrastructure upgrades in August 2026.
Tamil Nadu launches Thai Maman gold ring scheme for 1,28,499 newborns; orders issued to 2 firms
Tamil Nadu’s health department said the Thai Maman gold ring scheme will begin on 15 September 2026 for 1,28,499 children in the first phase.
Chennai power infrastructure upgrade: ₹250 crore ring network, 50,000 farm connections and 2,558 posts via TNPSC
In August 2026, Tamil Nadu announced major power-sector upgrades in Chennai, including ring-network conversion and new recruitments.
Tamil Nadu to set up new temple staff recruitment board, expand temple renovation works and maternity leave
In August 2026, the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department announced a new recruitment board for temple staff and multiple temple infrastructure projects.
21 August 2026
14 storiesSupreme Court flags Uttar Pradesh Gangsters Act, 1986 as prone to misuse and 'stillborn'
The Supreme Court held that the Uttar Pradesh Gangsters and Anti-Social Activities (Prevention) Act, 1986 cannot punish a person merely for being labelled a gangster.
நீட் போராட்டத்தில் காவல் துறை அத்துமீறல்: விசாரணைக்கு சுபாஷ் ரெட்டி தலைமையில் உயர்மட்ட குழு
The Supreme Court formed a high-level committee headed by retired judge Subhash Reddy to probe alleged police excesses during NEET protest-related incidents.
சென்னையில் ஆக.21 தங்கம் விலை உயர்வு: 22 காரட் பவுன் ரூ.1,17,680, வெள்ளி கிராம் ரூ.265
On 21 August 2026, Chennai gold and silver prices rose sharply, with 22-carat gold at ₹1,17,680 per sovereign and silver at ₹265 per gram.
South Zonal Council’s 31st meeting in Mahabalipuram: Kerala seeks relief on construction materials from Tamil Nadu
At the 31st South Zonal Council meeting in Mahabalipuram on 20 August 2026, Kerala sought relief from Tamil Nadu’s restrictions on construction materials.
Chenab Bridge Vande Bharat at 100 kmph: world’s highest railway bridge and Jammu–Srinagar rail milestone
In August 2026, Vande Bharat ran at 100 kmph on the 1,178-foot Chenab railway bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, a key rail infrastructure milestone.
Tamil Nadu Assembly discusses Ennore fish deaths; minister cites low oxygen and sewage inflow
In August 2026, Tamil Nadu’s Environment Minister said 2,150 kg of dead fish were found at Ennore and a committee was formed to probe the cause.
Bihar gets 11,18,937 PMAY-G houses and ₹13,427 crore allocation in 2026
In August 2026, the Union government approved 11,18,937 PMAY-G pucca houses for Bihar with ₹13,427 crore allocation.
India and Japan sign maritime security MoA to deepen naval cooperation in Indo-Pacific
On August 20, 2026, India and Japan signed a Maritime Security Cooperation MoA covering MDA, SAR, HADR and naval logistics.
India opens nuclear sector to private players under SHANTI Act draft rules, 2026
India’s draft SHANTI rules, released in August 2026, set licensing and approval procedures for private entry into civil nuclear energy.
Duty-free raw sugar import of 10 lakh tonnes allowed till October 31, 2026
The government allowed duty-free import of 10 lakh tonnes of raw sugar under TRQ till October 31, 2026, and imposed stock limits on bulk consumers.
Supreme Court cuts legal practice requirement to one year for entry-level judicial exams
The Supreme Court on August 21, 2026 reduced the mandatory legal practice requirement for entry-level judicial exams from three years to one year, with transitional rules till March 31, 2027.
TNEA 2026 third round: 68,640 tentative allotments, confirmation due by August 22
TNEA 2026 counselling’s third round gave tentative allotments to 68,640 of 1,02,719 eligible candidates, with confirmation due by August 22, 2026.
Piracy off Yemen and Somalia: 22 Indians on board two hijacked vessels
Two vessels were hijacked off Yemen and Somalia in August 2026, with 22 Indian nationals among the crew.
திருப்பதி பிரம்மோற்சவம் 2026: தினமும் 10 லட்சம் லட்டு, செப்.15–23 விழா ஏற்பாடு
Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams said the 2026 annual Brahmotsavam will run from 15 to 23 September, with 10 lakh laddus daily for devotees.
20 August 2026
15 storiesMaharashtra 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
19 August 2026
15 storiesICC sanctions row: U.S. targets President Tomoko Akane and senior lawyer Abdoulaye Seye in August 2026
The U.S. imposed sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior lawyer Abdoulaye Seye on August 18, 2026, intensifying its dispute with the Hague-based court.
BRICS rejects EU CBAM and seeks higher adaptation finance ahead of COP31
At the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, BRICS opposed the EU’s CBAM and urged developed countries to triple adaptation finance by 2035.
NCB busts transnational drug network: 4 Nigerians arrested, 14.787 kg amphetamine seized
NCB, in coordination with State police, arrested four Nigerian nationals and seized drugs worth about ₹15 crore in Delhi-NCR in August 2026.
Jharkhand cancels 44 recruitment exams over irregularities; CGL among key tests
Jharkhand cancelled 44 recruitment exams, including JSSC CGL, and announced reforms after irregularities and student protests.
Coimbatore civic tax collector arrested in ₹40,000 bribery case
A Coimbatore municipal tax collector was arrested by vigilance police for allegedly demanding ₹40,000 to levy tax on vacant land.
Income tax raids in Chennai linked to private company over alleged tax evasion
Income tax officials searched five locations in Chennai linked to a private company after complaints of tax evasion.
MTC orders buses to stop at designated stops amid passenger complaints
MTC has directed drivers and conductors to stop at all designated stops and face disciplinary action for violations.
Tamil Nadu government to create new directorate for urban local bodies and 4,490 posts
In August 2026, Tamil Nadu announced a new directorate for urban local bodies, with 4,490 posts and an annual outlay of ₹107 crore.
TN Assembly debate on 70-year-old Nandan Canal project highlights irrigation and water management issues
In August 2026, the Tamil Nadu Assembly saw a sharp DMK-AIADMK debate on the long-pending Nandan Canal project, first proposed in 1952.
Madras High Court clarifies Tamil Thai Vazhthu can be sung first in government events
In August 2026, the Madras High Court clarified that no one is preventing Tamil Thai Vazhthu from being sung first in Tamil Nadu government functions and reserved judgment in the PIL.
Madurai High Court orders Sivakasi firecracker accident prevention recommendations from Collector and SP
In August 2026, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court directed the Virudhunagar Collector and SP to submit accident-prevention recommendations for Sivakasi firecracker factories.
National Medical Commission draft rules to assign unique ID to doctors across India
The National Medical Commission has issued draft rules to create a unique identification number for doctors, enabling all-India practice without fresh state registration.
TN HR&CE gets 80 appointments through TNPSC; first-time recruitment of assistant engineers and sthapathis
Tamil Nadu issued appointment orders to 80 HR&CE recruits selected through TNPSC, including assistant engineers and sthapathis for the first time.
Tamil Nadu announces ₹2,550 crore rural roads upgrade for 2,000 km annually; multiple highway projects also planned
Tamil Nadu has announced a ₹2,550 crore rural roads programme to upgrade 2,000 km every year, along with several highway and transport projects.
TN govt confirms TAPS pension scheme for employees; 50% last basic pay, gratuity and family pension proposed
Tamil Nadu has said the TAPS pension scheme will be implemented for government employees, with 50% of last basic pay as pension and related benefits.
18 August 2026
15 storiesVice President’s remarks on Tamil Thai Vazhthu and TN Central University convocation: exam facts
At the 11th convocation of Tamil Nadu Central University in Tiruvarur, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan spoke on Tamil Thai Vazhthu, higher education and Viksit Bharat 2047.
Maharashtra SIR: 2.07 crore uncollected voter forms, 78.64% digitisation and 2002 roll revision context
Maharashtra’s Special Intensive Revision has left over 2.07 crore enumeration forms uncollected, with 78.64% of electors digitised as of August 17, 2026.
Trump’s SAVE America Act cites India’s voter ID model and 646 million voters
On 17 August 2026, Donald Trump cited India’s voter ID system and 646 million voters while pushing the SAVE America Act in the US.
Telangana SIR 2026: 92.87 lakh electors to get notices after draft roll deletions
Telangana’s Special Intensive Revision entered the notice phase on 17 August 2026 after 73.39 lakh deletions and 92.87 lakh electors were flagged for notices.
India and Thailand begin 15th Maitree joint military exercise in Thailand on 18 August 2026
The 15th India-Thailand Maitree exercise began in Thailand on 18 August 2026 with 85 Indian Army personnel from the 9th Gorkha Rifles.
Supreme Court orders Meta to restore AAP Gujarat Facebook and Instagram accounts
The Supreme Court told Meta to lift the suspension of AAP Gujarat’s Facebook and Instagram accounts and adjourned the case for two weeks.
Indian Railways to upgrade drinking water at 20,000 locations after CAG flagged E. coli contamination
Following a CAG finding of E. coli in railway drinking water, the Railways will install tank-to-tap purification and monitoring systems at 20,000 locations.
Karnataka CM-SKY: BESCOM tenders for 500 MW feeder-level solarisation by December 2026
BESCOM has invited tenders under the Mukya Mantri Saura Shakti Yojana to develop 500 MW of solar capacity by December 2026.
Tamil Nadu to create 7 mother-and-child health buildings and 31 IVF centres with ₹128 crore and ₹14 crore allocations
Tamil Nadu announced ₹128 crore for new mother-and-child health buildings and ₹14 crore for first-level IVF centres.
Tamil Nadu to roll out Nalam 360 annual free health check-up with 14 tests for people aged 30+
Tamil Nadu will provide 14 free annual tests for people aged 30 and above across 1,257 government health facilities.
Tamil Nadu to create 3,594 medical posts and 284 super-speciality posts to expand district-level care
Tamil Nadu will recruit 3,594 medical staff and create 284 temporary super-speciality posts across 25 specialities.
Tamil Nadu to replace 1939 Public Health Act and create TN Medicity with ₹10 crore DPR funding
Tamil Nadu will replace the 1939 Public Health Act and prepare a ₹10 crore DPR for TN Medicity, a world-class medical hub.
Tamil Nadu Health Department announces 115 measures, Nalam 360 annual free check-up and new health laws
Tamil Nadu announced 115 health-sector measures including Nalam 360, a new health law, and 2,500 permanent nurse posts.
Tamil Nadu to launch elderly health insurance for 38 lakh seniors aged 70+ with free cancer, cardiac and transplant care
Tamil Nadu will launch the Chief Minister’s Elderly Health Insurance Scheme for nearly 38 lakh senior citizens aged 70 and above with no income ceiling.
Tamil Nadu to introduce home-based diagnostic services in metropolitan areas on PPP model
Tamil Nadu will introduce home-based diagnostic services in metropolitan areas through a public-private partnership model.
17 August 2026
15 storiesMaharashtra earthquake swarm: 29 tremors in a fortnight, Nashik and Palghar most affected
An explained report in August 2026 said Maharashtra recorded 29 tremors in a fortnight, mostly around Nashik and Palghar, indicating an earthquake swarm.
Trump orders 11-day US–South Korea drills to be cut; 18,000 troops and North Korea tensions in focus
In August 2026, Donald Trump ordered the Pentagon to substantially reduce planned 11-day joint exercises with South Korea involving 18,000 soldiers.
U.S.-China AI rivalry: Washington may ask partners to choose between Pax Silica and China’s AI framework
The U.S. is preparing a draft letter to 35 AI partners, warning that countries joining China’s rival framework may be excluded from Pax Silica.
Vande Mataram row: BJP protest in Chennai and Amit Shah’s remarks on the national song
BJP youth wing held a protest in Chennai on 16 August 2026 after the Vande Mataram controversy, while Amit Shah criticised Congress in Rajasthan.
Atal Bihari Vajpayee death anniversary: President Murmu, PM Modi pay tribute at Sadaiv Atal in New Delhi
On 16 August 2026, President Droupadi Murmu and PM Narendra Modi paid tribute to Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Sadaiv Atal in New Delhi.
Karnataka forest killing of three Tamils triggers demand for CBI probe and compensation
The killing of three Tamils in Karnataka’s Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary led to demands for a CBI probe, judicial inquiry and compensation.
Operation Sindoor: Ajit Doval reveals Modi’s post-Pahalgam counter-terror directive and 88-hour strike logic
Ajit Doval detailed the 88-hour Operation Sindoor after the Pahalgam attack, highlighting Modi’s directive, intelligence inputs and India’s counter-terror posture.
Kaziranga ESZ debate: 10 km default buffer, 1 km proposal and NBWL rules
Assam plans to seek a 1 km Eco-Sensitive Zone for Kaziranga, while current rules keep a default 10 km buffer unless site-specific notification is approved.
NTA to re-conduct UGC-NET for English, Sociology and Commerce after paper errors
NTA will re-conduct UGC-NET 2026 for English, Sociology and Commerce after complaints of factual, spelling and translation errors.
ICF to build 24-coach Vande Bharat sleeper trains; 3,405 coaches made in 2025-26
ICF Chennai says the new Vande Bharat sleeper trains will have 24 coaches, after producing 3,405 coaches in the last financial year.
₹507 crore waterbody restoration begins in Tamil Nadu under rural development programme
Tamil Nadu begins ₹507 crore restoration of 10,185 canals and 809 tanks/ponds under a rural development-linked programme.
Tamil Nadu Assembly resumes after recess; department-wise grant demands begin on 17 Aug 2026
The Tamil Nadu Assembly resumes on 17 August 2026, starting department-wise grant demand debates after the 2026-27 budget and agriculture budget discussions.
RPF seizes 1.369 kg gold worth ₹2.39 crore at Chennai Perambur railway station
RPF and railway police seized 1.369 kg of gold worth ₹2.39 crore from a passenger at Chennai Perambur railway station and handed it to income tax officials.
CJI Surya Kant urges NLUs to lead legal-tech reform with responsible AI use
CJI Surya Kant told NLUs in Jodhpur on 16 August 2026 to lead legal-tech reform and use AI responsibly in legal education.
Chennai Railway Division posts record ₹5,038 crore revenue in 2025-26
Chennai Railway Division earned ₹5,038 crore in 2025-26, up 9.26%, and reported ₹1,636.68 crore revenue by 31 July in the current year.