Current Affairs · 29 Jun – 5 Jul 2026
TNPSC current affairs for the week of 29 Jun – 5 Jul 2026, grouped by day.
5 July 2026
14 storiesNorth Korea’s 5,000-ton destroyer tests: Kim Jong Un orders Kang Kon into service within 2 months
Kim Jong Un supervised weapons tests aboard the 5,000-ton destroyer Kang Kon and ordered it into active duty within two months.
India’s first bullet train tunnel work in Mumbai: 20.37-km tunnel, TBMs and 508-km corridor
The Railway Ministry postponed the formal launch of bullet train tunneling in Mumbai, but ordered immediate work on the 20.37-km tunnel for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad corridor.
Ammonia gas leak response in Tiruvallur: 2 tonnes removed under safety protocol
Authorities began removing about 2 tonnes of ammonia from a private company in Tiruvallur after a leak that killed 18 women workers.
Mumbai rains: IMD red alert, 5 deaths and transport disruption in Maharashtra
Heavy rain in Mumbai and nearby districts triggered IMD red alerts, 5 deaths, school holidays and transport disruption.
Delhi court sentences Bihar BJP MLA Raju Kumar Singh to 4 years in 2018 firing case
A Delhi court sentenced Bihar BJP MLA Raju Kumar Singh to 4 years in prison under IPC 304 Part 2 and the Arms Act in a 2018 New Year firing case.
Rajasthan refinery, Barmer oilfields and India’s crude sourcing strategy highlighted by PM Modi
PM Modi said India sourced crude from over 40 countries during the crisis and highlighted Barmer’s oilfields and the Balotra refinery project.
PM Modi cites Rajasthan refinery, LPG and urea price shield during West Asia crisis
PM Modi said India used diplomacy and domestic capacity to avoid fuel rationing and protect LPG and urea prices during the West Asia crisis.
PM Modi greets US on its 250th Independence Day; India-US ties highlighted
On July 5, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated President Donald Trump and the American people on the United States' 250th Independence Day, recalling the 1776 declaration of independence.
Teejan Bai, Padma Vibhushan recipient and Pandavani exponent from Chhattisgarh, dies at 70
Pandavani legend Teejan Bai died on July 5, 2026 at AIIMS Raipur; she was a Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan awardee from Durg district, Chhattisgarh.
Jaishankar’s 6-nation tour begins July 5, 2026; UNSC 2028-29 campaign launch in New York
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit six countries from July 5, 2026, and launch India’s UNSC 2028-29 campaign on July 13 in New York.
Onion procurement price raised to ₹2,125 per quintal; 13% hike under Price Stabilisation Fund
The Centre raised onion procurement price by 13% to ₹2,125 per quintal, effective immediately, under the Price Stabilisation Fund.
India-U.K. CETA origin rules notified; July 15, 2026 start and 99% duty-free export access
Finance Ministry notified Rules of Origin under the India-U.K. CETA, effective July 15, 2026, with 99% duty-free access for Indian exports.
U.S. birthright citizenship upheld by SCOTUS in 6-3 ruling on 14th Amendment
On 30 June 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment and struck down Executive Order 14160.
Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei funeral rites draw thousands in Tehran
Funeral rites for Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei began in Tehran on July 3, 2026, with burial scheduled for July 9 in Mashhad's Imam Reza shrine.
4 July 2026
15 storiesIran’s July 2026 funeral for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei: West Asia war, Tehran crowds and Strait of Hormuz angle
Iran began a dayslong funeral in Tehran on July 4, 2026 for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, linking the event to the West Asia war and Strait of Hormuz tensions.
Delhi and Madhya Pradesh e-rickshaw Bluetooth misuse: Centre orders removal of BAT-BMS and Epoch Li-ion apps
The Centre ordered removal of two Chinese battery-control apps after complaints that e-rickshaws were being stopped remotely through Bluetooth.
IMD July 2026 monsoon deficit and El Niño risk: economy, inflation and farm output
IMD’s July 2026 outlook warns of below-normal rain after a 39.8% June deficit, with risks to agriculture, inflation and GDP.
மோடியின் முதல் நியூசிலாந்து பயணம்: ஏப்ரல் 2026 FTA, 140 கோடி இந்திய சந்தை
New Zealand PM Christopher Luxon announced that PM Narendra Modi will make his first official visit to New Zealand next week to advance the April 2026 FTA.
₹52,000 கோடி பாதுகாப்பு கொள்முதல் ஒப்புதல்: ஆகாஷ் தரங், காமிகாஸ் ட்ரோன், FW-HABS
The Defence Acquisition Council approved procurement worth ₹52,000 crore for the Army, Navy and Air Force, including Akashteer, kamikaze drones and FW-HABS.
UAPA-வில் 23 பாகிஸ்தான் நபர்கள் ‘தீவிரவாதிகள்’ என அறிவிப்பு: 1967 சட்டம், 2019 திருத்தம்
On 2026 July 4, the Union Home Ministry designated 23 Pakistan-based individuals as terrorists under Section 35 of the UAPA, 1967.
சென்னைக்கு 6 மாத குடிநீர் இருப்பு: 6,139 மில்லியன் கனஅடி நீர், 1,244 MLD விநியோகம்
As of 3 July 2026, Chennai’s drinking-water reservoirs held 6,139 million cubic feet, enough for about six months of supply at 1 TMC per month.
Tamil Nadu plans to extend Thayumanavar scheme to cover beneficiaries from age 60
Tamil Nadu plans to extend the Thayumanavar scheme to include people aged 60 and above, with the budget proposal expected in July 2026.
Locopilots stop wrong-route train in Chennai Division after Arakkonam routing error
On June 28, 2026, locopilots stopped Train No. 17654 Puducherry-Kacheguda Express after it was routed onto the wrong track near Arakkonam.
Tamil Nadu Law Minister says officials need not attend Governor’s review meetings
On July 3, 2026, Tamil Nadu Law Minister R. Nirmalkumar said officials are not obliged to attend review meetings called by the Governor.
Centre orders blocking of battery management apps used to disable e-rickshaws
In July 2026, the Union government ordered blocking of battery management apps after they were used to remotely shut down e-rickshaw batteries.
AI hiring in India’s IT sector rises 16% in June, outpacing overall jobs
A July 2026 report showed AI hiring in India’s IT sector rose 16% year-on-year in June while overall IT jobs fell 3%.
Unclaimed EPF funds in India fall to ₹9,330 crore across 31 lakh accounts
India’s unclaimed EPF money stood at ₹9,330 crore across more than 31 lakh accounts, according to the latest figures cited in July 2026.
Centre orders fire safety audits in all hospitals by July 31, 2026
The Union Health Ministry has asked States and UTs to complete fire safety audits of all hospitals and upload them on IHIP by July 31, 2026.
Tamil Nadu to simplify automated patta transfer within 15 days
Tamil Nadu will implement revised automated patta-transfer rules in 15 days to speed up online mutation for eligible property registrations.
3 July 2026
15 storiesIndus Waters Treaty held in abeyance: India’s 1960 water pact stance after Pahalgam attack
India said the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty will remain in abeyance until Pakistan credibly and irrevocably stops supporting cross-border terrorism.
Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital-class rocket, set for maiden launch window from 12 July to 4 August 2026
Skyroot Aerospace has announced a launch window of July 12 to August 4, 2026, for Vikram-1’s first test flight from Sriharikota.
BRICS Heads of Space Agencies meet in Bengaluru: 11-member bloc to discuss space sustainability and remote sensing cooperation
India is hosting the 2026 BRICS Heads of Space Agencies meet in Bengaluru with 11 member countries focusing on sustainability, innovation and cooperation.
Centre orders fire safety audits in all hospitals by 31 July 2026; IHIP reporting made mandatory
The Union Health Ministry has asked all States and UTs to complete fire safety audits of public and private hospitals by July 31 and upload findings on IHIP.
India core sector growth slows to 0.5% in May 2026; five of eight industries contract
India’s eight core industries grew only 0.5% in May 2026, with five sectors contracting and refinery products, coal, crude oil and natural gas showing sharp declines.
Union Cabinet approves ₹30,000 crore more for NIIF, taking total government commitment to ₹60,000 crore
On 29 June 2026, the Union Cabinet approved an additional ₹30,000 crore investment in NIIF, raising the government’s total commitment to ₹60,000 crore.
India-U.K. CETA and DCC: Goyal’s June 2026 visit to review rollout readiness
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal will visit the U.K. on 25-27 June 2026 to review implementation readiness for the India-U.K. CETA and DCC due on 15 July.
India–New Zealand FTA: 95% tariff cuts and full duty removal on New Zealand goods
India and New Zealand signed an FTA on 27 April 2026, with New Zealand removing all tariffs on Indian goods and India reducing tariffs on 95% of imports from New Zealand.
IIP growth rises to 5.1% in May 2026; MOSPI shifts new series to PPI-based measurement
Industrial output grew 5.1% in May 2026, and MOSPI updated the IIP series with 2022-23 base year and PPI-based measurement.
RBI says rate-cut transmission remained uneven in May 2026; credit growth at 17.7% outpaced deposits
RBI’s June 2026 bulletin said rate-cut transmission was uneven across sectors, while credit growth stayed ahead of deposits.
India services PMI falls to 17-month low of 57.4 in June 2026 as domestic demand weakens
HSBC India Services PMI eased to 57.4 in June 2026, the slowest expansion since January 2025, as domestic demand softened.
GST completes 9 years: June 2026 collections rose 13.9% to ₹1.95 lakh crore, but import-linked growth outpaced domestic sales
GST revenue rose 13.9% in June 2026 to ₹1.95 lakh crore, with imports driving growth more than domestic transactions.
Tamil Nadu simplifies online patta transfer for non-subdivision property registrations
Tamil Nadu revised the auto-mutation process for non-subdivision online patta transfers and said the changes will be implemented within 15 days.
Tamil Nadu plans to expand Thayumanavar Scheme by lowering eligibility age from 70 to 60
Tamil Nadu is planning to widen the Chief Minister’s Thayumanavar Scheme to cover more elderly citizens, widows and persons with disabilities.
Tamil Nadu sanctions ₹300 crore first instalment for Pongal 2027 dhoti-saree scheme
Tamil Nadu approved ₹300 crore as the first instalment for the Pongal 2027 free dhoti and saree scheme, with an estimated total outlay of ₹642.88 crore.
2 July 2026
15 storiesTNPSC Group 1 fake Tamil-medium certificate case: Madurai Bench upholds action, cites 2020 recruitment and 20% quota
Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court upheld TNPSC action against Group 1 officers who allegedly used fake Tamil-medium certificates in the 2020 recruitment.
U.S.-Iran Doha talks make progress amid West Asia war tensions
On July 1, 2026, Donald Trump said the U.S. had very good meetings with Iran in Doha as indirect talks continued over the West Asia war.
Iran to use frozen Qatar funds for essential imports after Doha talks
Iran said on July 1, 2026 that part of its frozen assets in Qatar will be used to buy required goods after talks in Doha.
Kyiv attack on July 2, 2026: Russia used missiles and drones, five healthcare workers wounded
Russian missile and drone strikes hit Kyiv on July 2, 2026, wounding five people and damaging a residential building and a medical facility.
Ukraine war update: Russian strikes on June 29, 2026 killed civilians in Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia and Sumy
On June 29, 2026, Russian missile and drone strikes killed at least 11 civilians and injured 40 in Ukraine, with Dnipro, Zaporizhzhia and Sumy among the affected areas.
Strait of Hormuz talks: U.S.-Iran technical negotiations in Doha on July 1, 2026
The U.S. and Iran held technical talks in Doha on July 1, 2026, focusing on the Strait of Hormuz, a 14-point interim accord, and $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets.
Iran-U.S. Doha talks on West Asia war implementation conclude; communication channel to monitor violations
Iran said the Doha talks on implementing its memorandum of understanding with the U.S. concluded on 1 July 2026, with a communication channel to track violations.
Tiruchendur temple phone ban enforced after Madras HC order; devotees screened with metal detectors
Tiruchendur Subramaniya Swamy Temple enforced a full mobile-phone ban from July 2026, following a Madras High Court Madurai Bench order issued in November 2022.
Madras High Court admits challenge to Section 30 of Tamil Nadu Private Schools Act, 2019
The Madras High Court admitted a petition challenging Section 30 of the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Act, 2019 on property-transfer restrictions.
Tamil Nadu permits foreign medical graduates to do CRMI in 36 non-teaching hospitals
Tamil Nadu has allowed foreign medical graduates to undergo compulsory rotatory medical internship in 36 non-teaching hospitals, creating 1,504 annual seats.
Tamil Nadu allows CSR, NGOs and institutions to desilt water bodies under new guidelines
Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department issued new guidelines to restore water bodies through CSR funds, NGOs and educational institutions.
General Dhiraj Seth becomes 31st Army Chief; TNPSC focus on Indian Army leadership change
General Dhiraj Seth took charge as the 31st Chief of the Indian Army in New Delhi after General Upendra Dwivedi retired.
Odisha cabinet approves Gyanodaya scheme: free education from KG to PG, ₹5,467.55 crore outlay
Odisha approved the Gyanodaya - Shiksharu Samruddhi scheme on July 1, 2026, with ₹5,467.55 crore planned over five years.
Census 2027 begins in Kerala: first digital Census, 61,000 enumerators, 34 questions
Kerala began the houselisting phase of Census 2027 on July 1, 2026, using a mobile app and web portal.
Centre notifies ₹300 daily floor wage under VB-GRAM G Act, 2025; Tamil Nadu hike limited to 2.7%
The Union government fixed a ₹300 daily floor wage under the VB-GRAM G Act, 2025, with Tamil Nadu seeing a 2.7% hike.
1 July 2026
15 storiesTamil Nadu engineering admission rank list released for 2.23 lakh applicants
Tamil Nadu released the engineering admission rank list in Chennai on 1 July 2026 for 2.23 lakh applicants seeking government quota seats.
New criminal laws, Delhi Police digital push and 80% conviction target after full rollout
Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the three new criminal laws may raise conviction rates to 80% after full implementation, while Delhi Police launched new digital initiatives in February 2026.
Kerala to launch PM-RAHAT scheme for road accident victims with ₹1.5 lakh cover
Kerala will soon implement PM-RAHAT, offering up to ₹1.5 lakh treatment for road accident victims for seven days.
PM Modi’s 54-secretary review on growth, reforms and Viksit Bharat 2047
On June 30, 2026, PM Narendra Modi held a key review with 54 secretaries in Delhi on growth, reforms and Viksit Bharat 2047.
US Supreme Court upholds birthright citizenship under 14th Amendment, rejecting Trump order
In June 2026, the US Supreme Court rejected Donald Trump’s order and reaffirmed birthright citizenship under the 14th Amendment.
7th World Thirukkural Conference in Bengaluru on July 5, 2026 with Tamil Nadu minister Thennarasu
The 7th World Thirukkural Conference will be held at St. Joseph’s University, Bengaluru on July 5, 2026, with Tamil Nadu minister Thennarasu inaugurating it.
India–Germany to sign ₹90,000-crore deal for 6 AIP submarines for the Navy
India and Germany are set to sign a ₹90,000-crore agreement for 6 Air Independent Propulsion submarines, with the first submarine expected in 2032.
West Bengal moves toward Uniform Civil Code: cabinet approval on July 2, bill in August 2026
West Bengal plans to seek cabinet approval for a Uniform Civil Code on July 2, 2026 and introduce a Bill in the Assembly in August, with a committee headed by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai.
From July 1, 2026: EPFO services resume, Aadhaar email update free, passport fees revised, RBI refund rule on mis-sold products
Several financial and citizen-service changes took effect on July 1, 2026, including EPFO online services, free Aadhaar email updates, revised passport fees and RBI compensation rules.
Commercial LPG cylinder price cut by ₹172.50 from July 1, 2026; domestic rate unchanged
Oil companies cut the 19 kg commercial LPG cylinder price by ₹172.50 in Chennai from July 1, 2026, while the 14.2 kg domestic cylinder stayed at ₹957.50.
Tamil Nadu clears ₹12,642-crore VB-G RAM G rural employment scheme with 125-day guarantee
Tamil Nadu notified the ₹12,642-crore VB-G RAM G scheme on July 1, 2026, with a 60:40 Centre-State funding pattern and a 125-day wage guarantee.
Anthropic says U.S. lifted export controls on Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 in June 2026
Anthropic said on June 30, 2026 that the U.S. Commerce Department lifted export controls on its AI models Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5.
EPFO issues retirement-day pension orders to 116 beneficiaries under the Prayas scheme
EPFO’s Chennai zone issued pension sanction orders to 116 retirees under the Prayas scheme, which enables pension on the day of retirement.
Tamil Nadu CM Vijay tells IAS and IPS officers to prioritise basic public services and awards district officials
At a two-day conference in Chennai, Chief Minister Vijay asked IAS and IPS officers to focus on education, drinking water, health, power, transport and ration services.
DMK forms 10-member advisory committee for party restructuring and organisational review
DMK president M.K. Stalin has set up a 10-member advisory committee to study restructuring from branch level to headquarters and submit recommendations in August 2026.
30 June 2026
14 storiesAmmonia leak in Tiruvallur: industrial safety rules, DISH inquiry and hazardous-industry inspection
The Tiruvallur ammonia leak highlighted DISH inspection gaps, the 1994 Tamil Nadu rules, and a state plan to inspect 6,669 hazardous industries.
Tamil Nadu ammonia leak tragedy: 8 deaths, 68 hospitalised, and 6,669 hazardous units under review
Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvallur ammonia leak at St. Peter & Paul Seafood Exports Pvt. Ltd. killed 8 workers, hospitalised 68, and triggered a review of 6,669 hazardous industries.
US-India trade deal in final steps after 18 months of talks, says Sergio Gor
US Ambassador Sergio Gor said on June 30, 2026 that the India-US trade deal is in the final 1% after nearly 18 months of talks.
SIPRI’s June 2026 yearbook: 12 Indian nuclear warheads classified as operationally deployed
SIPRI’s June 2026 yearbook said 12 of India’s estimated 190 nuclear warheads are operationally deployed, while India still follows no first use.
NASA’s June 30, 2026 LINK mission to rescue Swift telescope: first-of-its-kind satellite servicing test
NASA and Katalyst launched the LINK robotic mission on June 30, 2026 to save the Swift space telescope from atmospheric re-entry.
EPFO’s centralised IT system: CITES, one national database and June 26–30 service downtime
EPFO is shifting to a centralised CITES platform with one national database, affecting member services from June 26 to July 1, 2026.
ECI Special Intensive Revision in Karnataka: no documents during house-to-house enumeration, October 1, 2026 qualifying date
Karnataka’s SIR of electoral rolls begins with no document collection during enumeration, under ECI’s phased plan across 16 States and 3 Union Territories.
ECI’s Special Intensive Revision begins in Karnataka on June 30, 2026: voter roll and citizenship questions
The Election Commission’s Special Intensive Revision began in Karnataka on June 30, 2026, with door-to-door enumeration and fresh verification of electors.
Sabarimala gold theft probe cites criminal conspiracy, BNS sections and 2025 gold-plating works
Kerala High Court was told by the SIT that the 2025 Sabarimala gold-plating case involved criminal conspiracy and offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
Jharkhand appoints 1,042 teachers on June 29, 2026 to strengthen government schools
Jharkhand handed job letters to 1,042 newly appointed teachers on June 29, 2026, linking the move to government-school quality and rural education.
Food poisoning deaths in India in 2024 raise concern over Food Safety and Standards Act implementation
A 2026 data report noted 1,122 food-poisoning deaths in India in 2024 and cited recent cases in Indore and Bhiwandi.
Mallikarjun Kharge reappointed Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha in 2026
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge was again formally named Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha after taking oath as an MP from Karnataka.
Tamil Nadu wins overall title at 2026 National Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar
Tamil Nadu topped the 2026 National Senior Athletics Championships in Bhubaneswar with 138 points and 20 medals.
US Pacific Command restored name in 2026; India-US military exercises remain frequent
Sergio Gor said the restored name of the US Pacific Command does not change the fact that India conducts more exercises with the US than any other country.
29 June 2026
14 storiesIran’s June 2026 warning on Strait of Hormuz shipping route and control of passage
Iran warned on 29 June 2026 that bypassing its preferred Strait of Hormuz route would raise tensions, amid renewed U.S.-Iran attacks.
Israel’s June 2026 strike on Hezbollah tunnel in Majdal Zoun and the Lebanon security deal
Israel said it destroyed a 200-metre Hezbollah tunnel in southern Lebanon on 29 June 2026, days after a U.S.-brokered security agreement with Lebanon.
India rejects Pakistan’s allegations over Karachi attack amid renewed cross-border terror claims
India on June 28, 2026 rejected Pakistan’s allegations linking it to a Karachi security-installation attack and urged action against terror infrastructure.
Russia seeks stronger air defence as Putin cites Ukrainian drone strikes on oil infrastructure
On June 28, 2026, Vladimir Putin said Russia must rapidly expand air defence systems amid Ukrainian drone strikes on oil infrastructure.
U.S.-Iran stand down on strikes; Doha talks on Strait of Hormuz set for June 30, 2026
The U.S. and Iran reportedly agreed to halt strikes and meet in Doha on June 30, 2026, with the Strait of Hormuz at the centre of talks.
DMK–MDMK realignment in Tamil Nadu: 150 senior leaders join DMK after alliance split
More than 150 senior MDMK leaders joined the DMK in Chennai within 24 hours of Vaiko announcing the party’s exit from the alliance.
Southwest monsoon over Kerala: why its June 2026 onset matters for India
The IMD said the southwest monsoon was expected to reach Kerala on June 4, 2026, marking the official start of India’s rainy season.
IMD monsoon update: southwest monsoon advance, Delhi heatwave and key weather facts
IMD said the southwest monsoon may advance further over northern states within 5-6 days while Delhi recorded its warmest morning in two years.
Supreme Court on footpaths: pedestrian right to safe access and duty of urban bodies
The Supreme Court held that access to demarcated footpaths is a primary entitlement under the Right to Life and Freedom of Movement.
PM Research Chair 2026: Indian scientists abroad can get up to ₹14 crore support
The Centre has launched PM Research Chair 2026 to attract Indian scientists abroad with grants up to ₹14 crore.
TN அரசு பாலிடெக்னிக் கல்லூரிகளில் 5 புதிய டிப்ளமா பாடங்கள்: 55 கல்லூரிகள், 25 பாடங்கள், 50,000 மாணவர்கள்
Tamil Nadu’s Directorate of Technical Education will soon introduce 5 new diploma courses in government polytechnic colleges.
Pakistan orders nationwide arrest of undocumented Afghan nationals from July 10 under IFRP
Pakistan’s Interior Ministry ordered a nationwide crackdown from July 10, 2026, under the Illegal Foreigners Repatriation Plan (IFRP).
Himachal CM Sukhu announces ₹1,500 monthly pension for eligible women in Bara Bhangal
Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced ₹1,500 monthly pension and eco-tourism plans for Bara Bhangal.
Kerala forest takeover at Kolukkumalai: 42.72 hectares reclaimed under Vesting Act
Kerala Forest department reclaimed 42.72 hectares near Kolukkumalai under the Kerala Private Forests (Vesting and Assignment) Act.