Current Affairs · 6–12 July 2026
TNPSC current affairs for the week of 6–12 July 2026, grouped by day.
12 July 2026
15 storiesUnion Cabinet raises NIIF government commitment by ₹30,000 crore for new infrastructure funds
The Union Cabinet approved ₹30,000 crore more for NIIF, taking the Government of India’s total commitment to ₹60,000 crore.
Census 2027 questionnaire and caste census concerns: OBC data collection issue raised
A Tamil Nadu forum questioned whether Census 2027 questionnaire provisions adequately capture OBC community details and caste census data.
India-New Zealand FTA signed in April 2026: tariff cuts on 95% of imports from New Zealand
India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement on April 27, 2026, with New Zealand removing tariffs on all Indian goods and India reducing tariffs on 95% of imports from New Zealand.
India-New Zealand strategic partnership: 2030 trade target, FTA and Indo-Pacific maritime cooperation
India and New Zealand upgraded ties to a strategic partnership on July 11, 2026, with a ₹35,000 crore trade target by 2030 and new maritime cooperation measures.
Tamil Nadu’s AAY rice drawal and NFSA entitlement: 35 kg per household, 18.64 lakh cards
Tamil Nadu drew less rice than its AAY quota in five of the last seven years, while the Centre’s proposed change from 35 kg per household to 7 kg per person has raised concern.
Pattukottai-Karaikudi railway electrification nears completion in Tiruchi Division
The 70-km Pattukottai-Karaikudi broad gauge section is nearing completion, and full Tiruchi Division electrification is expected after statutory inspection.
Mudumalai Tiger Reserve ESZ master plan: 0-33.65 km zone, 2019 notification and stakeholder consultations
Nilgiris officials held consultations on July 10-11, 2026 to prepare the zonal master plan for the notified ESZ around Mudumalai Tiger Reserve.
India’s 2025 biodiversity update: 709 fauna and 353 flora taxa added by ZSI and BSI
India’s 2025 biodiversity release added 709 fauna species and 353 flora taxa, with Kerala and Arunachal Pradesh leading key discoveries.
IIP growth rises to 5.1% in May 2026; MOSPI shifts to PPI-based series
Industrial production grew 5.1% in May 2026, and MOSPI updated the IIP series with a 2022-23 base year and PPI use.
GST completes 9 years: June 2026 revenue rose 13.9% to ₹1.95 lakh crore
GST marked nine years on July 1, 2026, while June 2026 revenue rose 13.9% to ₹1.95 lakh crore, led by imports.
RBI launches July 2026 surveys for inflation expectations and consumer confidence
On July 9, 2026, RBI launched three surveys across 19 cities and 31 States/UTs to support monetary policy inputs.
ISRO Gaganyaan crew module tests: uprighting, separation and apex cover validation
ISRO on July 12, 2026 said it completed three major Gaganyaan crew module system tests, including uprighting after splashdown and separation checks.
Madras High Court bars ECI from notifying byelections in five Tamil Nadu Assembly constituencies till July 31, 2026
The Madras High Court restrained the ECI from notifying byelections in five Assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu until July 31, 2026.
Tamil Nadu seeks Central funding for ₹6,600-crore MRTS rejuvenation in Chennai
The State has sought Centre support for a ₹6,600-crore MRTS rejuvenation project in Chennai, linked to the CMRL takeover plan.
Tamil Nadu gets 100 more MBBS seats as NMC clears Namakkal and Tiruppur intake hike for 2026-27
NMC approved 50 extra MBBS seats each for government medical colleges in Namakkal and Tiruppur from 2026-27, taking Tamil Nadu’s government college intake to 5,150.
11 July 2026
15 storiesJAXA reusable rocket test marks Japan’s entry into cost-cutting launch technology
JAXA’s prototype reusable rocket completed a first lift-off and landing test in July 2026.
India-New Zealand strategic partnership, ₹35,000 crore trade target by 2030 after Modi-Luxon talks
India and New Zealand elevated ties to a strategic partnership and set a ₹35,000 crore bilateral trade target by 2030.
Tamil Nadu considers ₹10 cess on liquor and changes to bottle-return scheme under VAT law
Tamil Nadu is examining a ₹10 cess on liquor and amendments to VAT rules linked to the bottle-return scheme.
INS Mahendragiri joins Eastern Fleet: 75% indigenous warship, AI-era naval security and Atmanirbhar Bharat
In July 2026, INS Mahendragiri joined the Eastern Fleet at Visakhapatnam, highlighting India’s indigenous warship-building and naval security.
Vietnam boat capsizes: 15 Indian tourists dead, Indian mission sets up control room
A tourist boat capsized near Phu Quoc in southern Vietnam, killing 15 Indian tourists and prompting Indian embassy support.
India-New Zealand ties: Modi highlights Indian diaspora, 2026 sports centenary and strategic cooperation
PM Modi said the Indian diaspora is a pillar of India-New Zealand ties during his 2-day visit to Auckland.
Madurai student’s bacteria-powered Mars energy project selected for NASA’s Cubes in Space 2026
A Class XII student from Madurai was selected for NASA-supported Cubes in Space 2026 for a bacteria-based electricity project using Martian regolith analogue.
Manas Tiger Reserve loses 43.59% grassland cover due to invasive plants and habitat change
Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam lost 43.59% of its grassland cover between 1990 and 2019, with 14 invasive plant species cited as a major factor.
UN rapporteurs flag India’s SIR process, voter deletion concerns and minority rights issues
Three UN Special Rapporteurs questioned India’s SIR process, citing alleged mass deletion of minority voters and possible ICCPR violations.
Assam to amend service rules to dismiss polygamist employees and bar welfare benefits
Assam proposed dismissal of government employees practising polygamy and denial of welfare benefits to male polygamists under its 2026 Budget measures.
INS Mahendragiri commissioned in Visakhapatnam in July 2026 as India’s sixth P17A stealth frigate
The Indian Navy commissioned INS Mahendragiri, the sixth P17A stealth frigate, in Visakhapatnam on July 11, 2026.
TASMAC empty bottle buyback scheme: ₹10 deposit proposal, MRP change and legal amendments in 2026
On July 10, 2026, TASMAC told the Madras High Court it is considering adding a ₹10 refundable deposit to liquor bottle MRP under the buyback scheme.
Madras High Court and Section 151A: TN byelections in five constituencies stayed till July 31, 2026
On July 10, 2026, the Madras High Court restrained the ECI from notifying byelections in five Tamil Nadu constituencies until July 31.
Pamban Bridge inaugurated in April 2025: India’s first sea bridge replaced by a new rail link to Rameswaram
PM Modi inaugurated the new Pamban Bridge on April 6, 2025, replacing the 110-year-old sea bridge to Rameswaram.
Odisha orders criminal probe into 1,600 textbook errors for classes 1 to 8
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi ordered a criminal investigation after over 1,600 errors were found in 55 textbooks for classes 1 to 8.
10 July 2026
1 stories9 July 2026
15 storiesMadras High Court stay on LoC against former Minister E.V. Velu: July 2026 interim order, DVAC case, and procedural points
The Madras High Court on July 9, 2026 stayed a Look Out Circular against former DMK Minister E.V. Velu and fixed July 15 for appearance before the investigating officer.
Delhi HC PIL challenges NBWL functioning; SC-NBWL cleared over 97% of diversion proposals
A PIL in the Delhi High Court challenged the NBWL and SC-NBWL, citing over 97% approval of diversion proposals between 2014 and 2026.
IIT Guwahati develops blue-green algae material to remove 66.2% lead from polluted water
IIT Guwahati researchers developed a biological material from cyanobacteria that can remove lead from contaminated water.
India-Australia sign uranium supply deal at 3rd annual summit in Melbourne
India and Australia signed a long-term uranium supply deal during the third annual summit in Melbourne on July 2026.
India–New Zealand FTA: 57% of NZ exports to India to get duty-free access from day one
New Zealand said 57% of its exports to India will get duty-free access from day one as PM Narendra Modi visits Auckland on July 10, 2026.
India adds 52.5 mtpa LNG regasification capacity in 2025: key energy infrastructure facts
India added 52.5 mtpa regasification capacity in 2025 and became the fourth-largest regasification market, according to the IGU World LNG Report.
India-Australia defence declaration 2026: Indo-Pacific maritime security, interoperability and defence industry ties
India and Australia adopted a new Joint Declaration on Defence and Security Cooperation on July 9, 2026 to deepen military, maritime and industrial ties in the Indo-Pacific.
Tamil Nadu Information Commission pushes online RTI filing under Sections 6(1) and 19(1) of RTI Act, 2005
The Tamil Nadu Information Commission urged online management of RTI applications and appeals to reduce delays in replies.
Tamil Nadu School Education Department says 80,000 extra textbooks were printed after new admissions
The School Education Department said the textbook shortage was due to new admissions and that about 80,000 extra books were printed and supplied.
Tamil Nadu issues private-participation guidelines for restoring waterbodies with CSR, NGOs and institutions
Tamil Nadu issued guidelines on July 1, 2026 to involve private entities in restoring waterbodies, with CSR and NGO participation.
NMEO-Oilseeds to promote groundnut and castor cultivation on 2,100 hectares in Tiruchi district
Under NMEO-Oilseeds, oilseed cultivation will be promoted on about 2,100 hectares in Tiruchi district this year, with support for groundnut and castor farmers.
Tamil Nadu signs ₹15,037 crore MoU with Vikram Solar for BESS plant in Gangaikondan, Tirunelveli
Tamil Nadu signed an MoU with Vikram Solar on July 9, 2026 for a ₹15,037 crore BESS manufacturing facility at Gangaikondan, Tirunelveli, expected to create 2,670 jobs.
Tamil Nadu to provide compassionate jobs to 32 Karur stampede victims’ kin; Vijay to visit Karur on July 10, 2026
Tamil Nadu will issue compassionate appointment orders to 32 families of the Karur stampede victims on July 10, 2026, when Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay visits Karur.
PaBV-4 first identified in India: bird virus study on captive psittacine birds
Scientists identified and genetically characterised PaBV-4 in India for the first time after testing 83 psittacine birds across three states.
Andhra Pradesh orders 100% spending of ₹20,643 crore SC Sub-Plan funds by January 2027
Andhra Pradesh directed departments to fully utilise ₹20,643 crore SC Sub-Plan funds by January 2027.
8 July 2026
13 storiesTamil Nadu temple administration to conduct secret inspections; Srirangam east gopuram works expedited
HR&CE Minister S. Ramesh said secret inspections are under way in Tamil Nadu temples and reforms will follow, while Srirangam east gopuram works are being sped up.
Ramanathapuram municipal revenue officer case: ₹25 lakh online transfers trigger ACB probe
An ACB probe in Ramanathapuram found ₹25 lakh online transfers into a municipal revenue inspector’s bank account over 3 years, leading to a case.
Disproportionate assets case against former minister T.M. Anbarasan adjourned to July 14
The Chengalpattu court has adjourned the disproportionate assets case against former minister T.M. Anbarasan and his family to July 14, 2026.
High Court orders Election Commission reply in petitions challenging victories of E.V. Velu, TVK and Congress MLAs
The Madras High Court has ordered the Election Commission and concerned MLAs to respond in election petitions challenging several 2026 Assembly victories.
Amarnath Yatra 2026: 8,815 pilgrims left Jammu in 363 vehicles; 57-day pilgrimage to end on Aug 28
The 2026 Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and saw 8,815 pilgrims depart Jammu in the largest single batch so far.
MeitY notice to Meta over Instagram ads linked to child sexual abuse material
On July 2026, MeitY asked Meta to block Instagram ads and content allegedly promoting child sexual exploitative material and sought a reply within seven days.
J&K L-G orders review of university and college websites for anti-India content
On July 7, 2026, J&K L-G Manoj Sinha ordered scrutiny of university and college websites and digital repositories for anti-India material.
ED probe into Trinamool accounts and chartered-flight spending in Kolkata
On July 7, 2026, the ED raided five Kolkata premises over alleged routing of funds through Trinamool Congress accounts and chartered-flight expenses.
Ahmedabad blast case: Gujarat HC upholds death sentence for 38 convicts, compensation ordered
Gujarat High Court upheld the 2008 Ahmedabad blast special court verdict, confirming death sentences for 38 convicts and ordering compensation by March 31, 2027.
Palani temple revenue crosses ₹100 crore in 2025-26; Panchamirtham sales hit record ₹63.16 crore
Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple earned over ₹100 crore in 2025-26, with Panchamirtham sales alone crossing ₹63.16 crore.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: 9 Tamil Nadu and Kerala stations, including Chennai Park, near completion
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 9 stations including Chennai Park, Cinnasalem and Kunnur are in the final stage for inauguration.
India thanked by Iran for attending Ayatollah Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran
Iran’s official Tasnim report thanked India for attending Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s funeral in Tehran amid pressure on countries to stay away.
NCERT revises Class 8 Social Science chapter on judiciary after Supreme Court directions in 2026
NCERT released a revised Class 8 Social Science textbook in 2026, removing disputed judiciary content and adding PIL, tribunals and ADR topics.
7 July 2026
15 storiesAmit Shah announces cooperative life insurance company after Bharat Taxi model
On the 5th anniversary of the Ministry of Cooperation, Amit Shah said the Centre will soon launch a cooperative life insurance company and a cooperative utility organisation.
Strait of Hormuz tanker attack off Oman: July 2026 maritime security and Iran-linked tensions
A tanker was struck by a projectile near Limah, Oman, in the Strait of Hormuz on July 7, 2026, raising maritime security concerns in a key global oil route.
Ukraine war diplomacy: Trump, Putin and Zelenskyy talks ahead of NATO summit in Ankara
On July 6-8, 2026, Trump said the Ukraine war was getting closer to resolution after calls with Putin and Zelenskyy ahead of NATO talks in Ankara.
Trump’s Iran ultimatum, Strait of Hormuz tanker attack and Gaza ceasefire shift: July 2026 West Asia facts
On July 6-7, 2026, West Asia saw a tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump’s Iran warning, and Hamas announcing a Gaza power transfer plan.
Russia’s July 6, 2026 strikes on Kyiv region kill 26; NATO summit to discuss Ukraine air defence
Russian missile and drone strikes on July 6, 2026 killed at least 26 people in Kyiv region ahead of a NATO summit in Turkey.
WhatsApp username feature under government scrutiny; India rollout paused amid IT Act concerns
In July 2026, the Centre questioned WhatsApp’s username feature under the IT Act and asked Meta to pause rollout in India until consultations end.
Census 2027 rehearsal uses open column for caste; first digital Census and first caste enumeration in independent India
The Census 2027 pre-test began on July 6, 2026 in 16 States and Union Territories, with an open column for caste recording.
Tamil Nadu anti-drug drive: 621 arrests, 617 cases and 6,653 kg tobacco seized in 3 days
Tamil Nadu police conducted a 3-day state-wide anti-drug and tobacco crackdown from July 3 to 5, 2026, leading to 621 arrests and large seizures.
Tenkasi Malaiyadipatti excavation reveals 2,500-year-old stepped well, a first in Tamil Nadu
Archaeologists at Malaiyadipatti in Tenkasi district found a 2,500-year-old stepped well, along with Sangam-age and burial evidence.
Madurai Bench extends objection deadline on Tiruchendur temple darshan fee hike to 21 July 2026
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court extended the deadline to file objections on the Tiruchendur temple darshan fee hike to 21 July 2026.
ACC appoints new chiefs for BPR&D and NCRB on 6 July 2026
The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet appointed IPS officers Alok Mittal and Amit Garg to head BPR&D and NCRB.
Tamil Nadu extends online regularisation window for unauthorised educational buildings till 5 July 2027
The Tamil Nadu government has reopened the online application window to regularise unauthorised educational institution buildings until 5 July 2027.
Tamil Nadu desalination expansion: 400 MLD Perur plant, 59-km pipeline and 22.67 lakh beneficiaries
The Chief Minister inspected the Nemmeli and Perur desalination projects, including a 400 MLD plant and 59-km pipeline work.
Tamil Nadu POCSO pendency: 18,733 cases pending in 38 districts; Supreme Court special-court norm and support-person gaps
As of June 2026, Tamil Nadu had 18,733 pending POCSO cases, with Madurai, Tiruppur, Chennai and Tenkasi among the worst-affected courts.
Governor’s security officer in Tamil Nadu changed; V. Prasannakumar IPS appointed
V. Prasannakumar IPS was appointed as the new security officer to Tamil Nadu Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar.
6 July 2026
15 storiesIndustrial safety in Tamil Nadu: 90% ammonia removal completed after Kannigaipair factory leak
After an ammonia leak at a seafood processing factory in Tiruvallur district, authorities said 90% of the removal work was completed.
TN politics: Udhayanidhi’s ‘political disaster’ remark and Seeman’s presence at a Tiruvallur wedding event
At a DMK function in Tiruvallur, Udhayanidhi Stalin said Tamil Nadu would be rescued from a political disaster period, while Seeman attended the event.
TNPSC Polity and diaspora angle: Annamalai’s Fedna speech on Sri Lankan Tamils, 2024 BJP manifesto and Tamil identity
At the Fedna Tamil festival in New Jersey, Annamalai said he would continue to raise the rights of Sri Lankan Tamils and cited the 2024 BJP manifesto.
PM Modi’s July 6-11, 2026 visit to Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand to boost Act East Policy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said his July 6-11, 2026 tour of Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand will strengthen India’s Act East Policy and MAHASAGAR Vision.
BRICS anti-drug trafficking meet begins in Guwahati ahead of India’s 2026 summit
A two-day BRICS special conference on anti-drug trafficking began in Guwahati on July 6, 2026, ahead of the September 12-13 BRICS Summit in Delhi.
Ayodhya Ram Temple donation probe: daily deposits rose from ₹18 lakh to ₹24 lakh after theft case surfaced
An SIT probe into the Ayodhya Ram Temple donation theft case found daily deposits rose from ₹16-18 lakh to ₹24-26 lakh after the case surfaced.
TN government G.O. upload gap: only 5 of 38 departments updated after May 10, 2026
A July 2026 report said only 5 of 38 Tamil Nadu departments had uploaded G.O.s after the new government took office on May 10, 2026.
Madhya Pradesh becomes first state to reorganise Waqf Board under 2025 amendment with Hindu members
On 5 July 2026, Madhya Pradesh reorganised its 10-member Waqf Board under the Waqf (Amendment) Act, 2025, including two Hindu members.
ISRO’s SOLVE test for Gaganyaan: parachute validation, crew module landing and 10-chute descent system
ISRO conducted a ground test of the SOLVE solid motor on 3 July 2026 to validate Gaganyaan’s parachute-based deceleration system.
Why India needs region-specific antivenom: Gujarat’s first state-level snake venom project
Gujarat has begun developing a region-specific antivenom using venom from four medically important snakes found in the State.
Gas curbs lifted after West Asia crisis: Natural gas supply rules, priority sectors and LNG context
On 4 July 2026, the Centre lifted emergency natural-gas curbs and restored priority-based supply after the West Asia crisis eased.
Manipur SIR draft roll: 19.34 lakh voters, 92.42% enumeration forms submitted
Manipur’s draft electoral roll under SIR was published on July 5, 2026 with 19,34,399 voters and the final roll due on September 6, 2026.
Odisha SIR draft roll: over 20 lakh names deleted, claims and objections till August 4, 2026
The Election Commission published Odisha’s SIR draft roll on July 5, 2026, showing over 20 lakh deletions and a final roll due on September 6, 2026.
UAPA 2019 amendment: Centre declares 23 persons linked to LeT and JeM as terrorists
The Union Home Ministry on July 2026 declared 23 persons from LeT and JeM as terrorists under the UAPA.
Meta notice on Instagram CSAM ads: IT Act, 2021 rules, and 24-hour takedown duties
The Centre in July 2026 asked Meta to disable Instagram ads linked to child sexual exploitative material and sought a reply within seven days.