Current Affairs · 14–20 September 2026
TNPSC current affairs for the week of 14–20 September 2026, grouped by day.
20 September 2026
7 storiesVandalur Zoo receives 10-year-old male tiger captured after 28-day search in Gudalur
A 10-year-old male tiger, linked to two deaths in Gudalur, was captured after a 28-day search and handed over to Vandalur Arignar Anna Zoological Park.
20th Asian Games open in Aichi-Nagoya: 45 countries, 11,000 athletes and 469 golds
The 20th Asian Games opened in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, with 45 countries, about 11,000 athletes and 469 gold medals at stake.
India’s climate and clean-energy push highlighted by PM Modi at NGT international environment conference
At an NGT-backed international environment conference in Delhi, PM Modi cited India’s solar growth from 2 GW to 160 GW and the PM Surya Ghar scheme.
Supreme Court on gender discrimination in public sector jobs: ₹12 lakh compensation to Sumithra
The Supreme Court held that denying a job solely because a candidate is a woman is an affront to dignity and ordered ₹12 lakh compensation to Sumithra.
Tirupati laddu ghee adulteration case: ED arrest, ₹230 crore supply trail and fake records
ED arrested Sukruti Foods owner Kailash Chand Mangla in the Tirupati laddu adulterated ghee case linked to ₹230 crore supplies from 2019-2024.
U.S. Caribbean boat strike: 4 killed, 231 dead in 69 anti-drug strikes under Trump administration
The U.S. military said it killed 4 people in a Caribbean Sea strike on September 19, 2026, taking the reported death toll to at least 231 in 69 strikes.
Bihar CM announces jobs for 1 crore women and ₹10,000 monthly PhD fellowship
On September 19, 2026, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary announced employment linkage for 1 crore women and a ₹10,000 monthly PhD fellowship for 1,000 women.
19 September 2026
15 storiesBJP state general secretary Karuppu Muruganandam removed after sexual harassment complaint
Tamil Nadu BJP removed Karuppu Muruganandam from the post of state general secretary after a sexual harassment complaint by a woman functionary.
Kerala CMRL-Exalogic case: ED report, PMLA Section 66(2) and FIR recommendation
Kerala’s Advocate General reportedly advised FIR registration in the CMRL-Exalogic money-laundering case, citing Section 66(2) of the PMLA, 2002.
India-Pakistan naval collision in Arabian Sea: Article 10 of 1991 agreement and 3-nautical-mile rule
India rejected Pakistan’s allegations on the September 15, 2026 Arabian Sea collision involving INS Kolkata and PNS Hunain, citing Article 10 of the 1991 agreement.
India’s deep-sea exploration: ISA contracts, 95,000 sq km area and 366 million tonnes of nodules
India holds three ISA exploration contracts over 95,000 sq km and is developing Deep Ocean Mission technologies such as MATSYA-6000 and deep-sea mining systems.
Trump extends $100,000 H-1B visa fee order for another year; key 1990 visa facts for exams
On 18 September 2026, the White House said Donald Trump extended the order to impose a $100,000 fee on H-1B visas for another year.
U.S. approves $2.7 billion Ukraine air-defence package amid Russia sanctions and FMF funding
On 18 September 2026, the U.S. State Department cleared a potential $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence upgrades and related equipment.
India-UAE strategic partnership: West Asia, energy, defence and technology discussed in September 2026 call
On 18 September 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed West Asia and deepening the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
UPI charges on merchants only from Oct. 15, 2026; public payments remain free
The Centre and NPCI said UPI payments by individuals will remain free, while merchant transactions above ₹2,000 will attract charges from October 15, 2026.
India attracts ₹1 lakh crore semiconductor investments after Semicon 2.0 approval
The Union minister said India has received investment commitments worth ₹1 lakh crore in the semiconductor sector after Semicon 2.0 approval.
Walgreens to set up first global capability centre in Chennai’s DLF Taramani campus
Walgreens India will establish its first global capability centre in Chennai’s DLF Taramani campus with 250 jobs in the first year.
Tamil Nadu to start 7 new nursing colleges and add 2,585 nursing seats
Tamil Nadu has issued orders to open 7 new nursing colleges and create 2,585 additional nursing seats across courses.
Tamil Nadu land acquisition for 7 projects: Chennai Metro, NLC expansion, SIPCOT parks and aviation training centre
Tamil Nadu has ordered land acquisition for 7 projects including Chennai Metro Rail, NLC mine expansion, SIPCOT parks and an aviation training institute.
Kerala’s Operation Toofan targets drug money through bank accounts, UPI and crypto wallets
Kerala framed guidelines for Operation Toofan to trace narcotics money through bank accounts, UPI transactions and crypto wallets.
Odisha plans 870-acre Silicon Valley hub at Naraj for semiconductor and IT projects
Odisha announced an 870-acre Silicon Valley hub near Naraj in Cuttack to host semiconductor, electronics and IT projects.
Bihar OTS scheme for brick kilns waives ₹90.26 crore interest; DMF rules also amended
Bihar announced a three-month OTS scheme for brick kilns and amended DMF rules to change fund-sharing and membership provisions.
18 September 2026
1 stories17 September 2026
15 storiesU.S. House passes Russia sanctions bill with 100% tariff power on India: key India-US trade and sanctions facts
The U.S. House passed a Russia sanctions bill on 16 September 2026 that could allow tariffs up to 100% on India and other Russian oil buyers.
E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan passes away: former Union Minister and Rajya Sabha MP profile for TNPSC
Former Union Minister E.M. Sudarsana Natchiappan died on 17 September 2026; he served as MP, Rajya Sabha member and Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry.
Madurai Meenakshi Temple Kumbabishekam after 17 years: key TNPSC facts on date, cost and rituals
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple held its kumbabishekam on 17 September 2026 after 17 years, with major renovation works and 11,000 devotees allowed inside.
Strait of Hormuz traffic falls to 3 ships: key facts on Bab el-Mandeb and AIS dark routes
Ship transits through the Strait of Hormuz fell to three on September 16, 2026, highlighting risks to global oil supply routes.
Ladakh’s Project Him Sarovar channels 60 lakh litres of glacier meltwater for irrigation
Ladakh has channelised 60 lakh litres of glacier meltwater through Project Him Sarovar to support irrigation and water security.
Semicon India 2026: India’s chip ecosystem, Mission 2.0 and $13.5 billion outlay
At Semicon India 2026, the Prime Minister said India is expanding its semiconductor ecosystem and has approved 12 chip-making projects.
IBC scrutiny by ED: Section 29A, CoC manipulation and PMLA probes explained
ED has widened scrutiny of alleged irregularities in IBC cases, focusing on Section 29A circumvention, CoC manipulation and large haircuts.
India’s academic freedom index falls to 0.14 in 2026, SAR report says
Scholars at Risk’s Free to Think 2026 report said India’s Academic Freedom Index fell to 0.14 in 2026 and remained in the severely restricted category.
Anant Nag selected for the 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award, to be conferred at 72nd National Film Awards
Veteran Kannada actor Anant Nag was selected for the 2024 Dadasaheb Phalke Award and will receive it at the 72nd National Film Awards in Gujarat on September 22.
NPCI clarifies UPI AutoPay is exempt from 0.4% MDR on recurring payments
NPCI said UPI AutoPay for recurring payments is outside the new 0.4% MDR framework for merchant UPI transactions above ₹2,000.
India cuts export duty on petrol, diesel and ATF from September 16, 2026 in fortnightly review
The government reduced export duty on petrol, diesel and aviation turbine fuel in its September 16, 2026 fortnightly review.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay returns from UK with ₹15,300-crore investment commitments and 10,000 jobs
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay returned to Chennai on September 17, 2026 after securing ₹15,300 crore investment commitments and 10,000 jobs in the UK.
Tamil Nadu dengue control drive: 25,158 workers deployed across 45 health districts
Tamil Nadu has intensified dengue control measures with 25,158 workers, 12 coordinators and 45 health districts under a state-wide public health drive.
Tamil Nadu to hold fingerprint eKYC special camp in all ration shops on Sept 19, 2026
Tamil Nadu will conduct a state-wide fingerprint verification camp in ration shops on September 19, 2026 for eKYC under the National Food Security Act, 2013.
Madurai AIIMS 57% complete; OPD planned from Jan 1, 2027 — key TNPSC facts
The Centre told the Madurai Bench that Madurai AIIMS was 57% complete by August 31, 2026 and its OPD is planned from January 1, 2027.
16 September 2026
15 storiesBihar transfers ₹579.23 crore flood relief under DBT to 8.27 lakh families
Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary transferred ₹579.23 crore to 8,27,472 flood-affected families through DBT on September 15, 2026.
TN bypolls 2026: nomination deadline, poll dates and EC campaign restrictions for Madurantakam and Dharapuram
Madurantakam and Dharapuram bypoll nominations close on 16 September 2026, with polling on 6 October and EC restrictions on exit and opinion polls.
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple kumbabishekam set for September 17 after 17 years
Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple will hold kumbabishekam on September 17, 2026 after 17 years, with 6,500 police deployed for security.
Sanjukta Parashar takes charge as CRPF COBRA force chief in Assam
IPS officer Sanjukta Parashar, known as Assam’s “Iron Lady,” has taken charge as chief of the CRPF’s COBRA force.
Iran FM Abbas Araghchi to visit Beijing after BRICS New Delhi interactions
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet Wang Yi in Beijing on September 16, 2026, after BRICS summit interactions in New Delhi.
Saudi Arabia intercepts Houthi drone near Mecca amid West Asia escalation
Saudi air defences destroyed a Houthi drone south of Mecca on September 16, 2026, as attacks on Saudi Arabia and the East-West Pipeline intensified.
US House advances Russia sanctions bill with proposed 100% tariffs on India and other oil buyers
On September 15, 2026, the U.S. House advanced a sanctions bill that could authorise 100% tariffs on India and other Russian oil buyers.
New Zealand passes India FTA law: 95% tariff cuts, 57% exports duty-free from day one
On September 16, 2026, New Zealand’s parliament passed legislation to implement an India FTA that cuts tariffs on about 95% of exports and makes 57% duty-free from day one.
Supreme Court declines Chitra Ramkrishna plea in NSE co-location scam; public duty issue left to trial court
On September 15, 2026, the Supreme Court refused to entertain Chitra Ramkrishna’s plea in the NSE co-location scam case, leaving the public-duty issue to the trial court.
CCPA fines Rapido ₹10 lakh for dark patterns, misleading ads in ride-booking prompts
On September 15, 2026, the CCPA imposed a ₹10 lakh penalty on Rapido for misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices and dark patterns in ride booking.
TN Teachers Education University extends deadline for B.Ed and M.Ed admission details to September 21, 2026
The Tamil Nadu Teachers Education University extended the online submission deadline for B.Ed and M.Ed admission details to September 21, 2026.
Tamil Nadu moves to fill over 4,000 nursing vacancies in government hospitals
Tamil Nadu Health Minister Arunraj said steps are being taken to fill more than 4,000 nursing vacancies in government hospitals.
Genchi K. Kathiravan elected unopposed as TN-Puducherry Bar Council chairman
Genchi K. Kathiravan was elected unopposed as chairman of the Tamil Nadu and Puducherry Bar Council, with E. Palamurugan as vice-chairman and P.S. Amalraj as BCI member.
Tamil Nadu expands Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme to Classes VI-VIII from September 22, 2026
Tamil Nadu will launch the expanded Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme for Classes VI to VIII on September 22, 2026, with rollout in all districts except Chengalpattu and Tiruppur.
DMK’s annual Mupperum Vizha postponed in Chennai after M.K. Stalin’s fever in September 2026
The DMK postponed its annual Mupperum Vizha at Anna Arivalayam, Chennai, after party president M.K. Stalin developed fever.
15 September 2026
14 storiesDindigul district turns 42: formation date, headquarters and long-pending development demands
On 15 September 2026, Dindigul district marked 42 years since its formation on Anna’s birthday in 1985 with Dindigul as headquarters.
Houthi missile and drone attacks in Saudi Arabia: 13 civilians wounded in Khamis Mushait, Abha and Taif
On 15 September 2026, Houthi attacks with ballistic missiles and drones wounded 13 civilians in southern Saudi Arabia and damaged houses and vehicles.
Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv petrol station strike, Poland air patrols and energy-site ceasefire talks
On 15 September 2026, a drone hit a petrol station in Kyiv as Russia-Ukraine energy-site ceasefire talks and Poland’s preventive air operations drew attention.
Bamboo mass flowering can trigger ecological crisis, invasive weeds and human-elephant conflict
A KFRI study warns that bamboo flowering and die-off can cause invasive weeds, rodent outbreaks and human-elephant conflict in forest landscapes.
India named in U.S. Russia sanctions amendment: 100% tariff powers, 90-day waiver and $15 billion Ukraine loan proposal
A September 2026 U.S. House amendment sought to name India among countries eligible for 100% duties under the Russia sanctions bill.
NATO shoots down drone over Lithuania amid Baltic security tensions with Russia
On September 15, 2026, NATO fighter jets destroyed a drone that entered Lithuanian airspace near Lake Kaunas.
U.S. Space Force confirms on-orbit weapons, marking a new phase in space militarisation
On September 14, 2026, the U.S. Space Force said the United States has on-orbit space control weapons for offensive and defensive use.
U.S. Supreme Court blocks Postal Service mail-ballot restriction amid 2026 midterm voting dispute
On September 14, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court refused to let the Postal Service enforce a mail-ballot rule tied to President Donald Trump’s March executive order.
U.S. Russia sanctions bill amendment names India among top oil trading partners
On September 14, 2026, U.S. lawmakers moved amendments to a Russia sanctions bill that could name India among countries facing 100% tariffs.
CJI Surya Kant on scrutiny, transparency and public trust in the judiciary
On September 14, 2026, CJI Surya Kant said courts cannot earn trust by avoiding scrutiny and must remain open to criticism.
Harur drought hits groundwater, crops and livestock in Dharmapuri district
Harur in Dharmapuri district is facing severe drought, with groundwater falling to 14.24 metres and major crop losses reported.
BRICS 2026 Delhi Declaration: India’s diplomacy, Global South push and currency trade move
At the September 2026 BRICS summit in Delhi, India pushed Global South representation, anti-terror language and local-currency trade.
U.S. war in Iran creates ammunition shortfall, $33.4 billion cost and major fleet losses
A September 2026 Pentagon inspector general report said Operation Epic Fury cost $33.4 billion and caused munitions shortfalls and aircraft losses.
Air India show-cause notice over three Italian passengers skipping immigration at Delhi airport
The Civil Aviation Ministry issued a show-cause notice to Air India after three Italian passengers boarded a Munich-bound flight without completing immigration at Delhi on September 4, 2026.
14 September 2026
13 storiesTamil Nadu investment MoUs in London: ₹11,000 crore, GCC corridor and 10,000+ jobs
On September 14, 2026, Tamil Nadu signed multiple MoUs in London, led by CM C. Joseph Vijay, covering investments, GCCs and manufacturing jobs.
Madurantakam and Dharapuram bypolls: AIADMK fields Kanitha Sampath and K. Bhanumathi for October 6, 2026
AIADMK announced Kanitha Sampath and K. Bhanumathi as candidates for the October 6, 2026 bypolls in Madurantakam and Dharapuram.
Supreme Court panel urged to review Assam-to-Tamil Nadu elephant transfers and legality
A conservationist asked the Supreme Court-appointed High-Powered Committee to stop four elephant transfers from Assam to Tamil Nadu and examine legality and welfare.
Madurai Meenakshi temple to receive Assam elephant Durga under 2011 captive elephant rules
Five-year-old elephant Durga from Assam was cleared for transfer to Madurai Meenakshi Amman Temple, with the Madras High Court citing the 2011 captive elephant rules.
Tamil Nadu power demand hits 20,500 MW in September 2026 as unscheduled cuts return
Tamil Nadu’s September 2026 power demand touched 20,500 MW, forcing TNPDCL to buy 2,000 MW amid shortages and renewed unscheduled cuts.
Greater Chennai Corporation property tax drive: 6.03 lakh owners owe ₹847.80 crore by Sept. 30
The GCC has asked over six lakh property owners to clear ₹847.80 crore in current and pending property tax dues by September 30, 2026.
Chennai airport cab pick-up plaza: ₹22.88 crore facility, 28 vehicles, T3 by April 2027
Chennai airport opened a dedicated cab pick-up plaza after a two-year delay, while T3 is targeted for April 2027.
PM-KUSUM Phase II to add agrivoltaics component; key facts on 2019 scheme and solar pumps
The Centre is likely to announce PM-KUSUM 2.0 soon with a dedicated agrivoltaics component.
UPI payments up to ₹2,000 barred from charges under September 14, 2026 notification
A September 14, 2026 notification barred charges on UPI and RuPay debit card payments up to ₹2,000, while the government has not decided on higher-value MDR.
JCR upgrades India’s sovereign rating to A- in September 2026; key implications for borrowing
Japan Credit Rating Agency upgraded India from BBB+ to A- in September 2026, citing growth, policy support, and a stronger financial system.
India’s forex reserves hit a lifetime high of $785.706 billion in September 2026 week
RBI data showed India’s forex reserves rose by a record $44.903 billion to $785.706 billion in the week ended September 4, 2026.
WPI inflation touches 9.92% in August 2026; food, fuel and manufactured goods drive price rise
India’s wholesale price inflation rose to 9.92% in August 2026, with food, manufactured items, and fuel and power pushing prices higher.
Dinesh Sharma becomes 14th Lieutenant-Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Dinesh Sharma was sworn in as the 14th Lieutenant-Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands on September 15, 2026.