Current Affairs · 13–19 July 2026
TNPSC current affairs for the week of 13–19 July 2026, grouped by day.
19 July 2026
15 storiesChild Welfare Committee rescues pregnant 14-year-old from child marriage in Krishna district
On July 19, 2026, the Child Welfare Committee in Krishna district rescued a 14-year-old pregnant girl married to a 34-year-old man and sent the case to police.
Nilgiris demand to restore Ooty name: Udhagamandalam, 1972 renaming and indigenous place-name history
Nilgiris residents have urged the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister to restore the historic name Ootacamund/Ooty, which was renamed Udhagamandalam in 1972.
U.S. DHS fixed visa stay rules for F, J and I categories: TNPSC facts on 4-year cap and 30-day grace period
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security issued amended rules on July 16, 2026, replacing open-ended stay with fixed admission periods for F, J and I visa holders.
Afghanistan-India trade push gains focus as Kabul seeks easier visas, logistics and market access
Afghanistan’s ACCI and India’s ambassador discussed trade facilitation in Kabul on July 18, 2026, as bilateral trade stood at $907.85 million in 2025-26.
Iran executes two protesters as post-2025 unrest and death penalty figures draw global attention
Iran’s judiciary said two men were executed on July 19, 2026, in Isfahan over protest-related charges, amid reports that 1,639 people were executed in 2025.
West Bank settler arson on mosque and factory highlights UN-reported surge in attacks
Israeli settlers allegedly torched a mosque, two houses and a dairy factory in Al-Tuwani, while OCHA said settler violence in the West Bank averages six attacks a day.
Pakistan cyber agency summons Imran Khan’s sister over alleged anti-state remarks on India conflict
Pakistan’s National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency issued a July 19, 2026 summons to Noreen Niazi over alleged inflammatory social-media remarks linked to the May 2025 India-Pakistan conflict.
Skyroot’s Vikram-1 marks India’s private orbital launch milestone on 18 July 2026
Skyroot’s Vikram-1 launched from Sriharikota on 18 July 2026 and made India the third country with a private industry reaching orbit on its own launch vehicle.
Karnataka approves ₹12-crore AI CoE at IIIT Raichur for North Karnataka districts
Karnataka cleared a ₹12-crore Centre of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence at IIIT Raichur with funding split between the 2026-27 Budget and LEAP.
Telangana forms high-level committee to inspect private universities under Supreme Court directions
Telangana has set up a high-level committee to inspect private universities and submit an affidavit to the Supreme Court on governance, admissions, finance and compliance.
Supreme Court says abusive words are not obscene unless they meet the legal obscenity test
The Supreme Court held that vulgar or abusive language is not obscene in law unless it satisfies the obscenity test under Section 294(b) IPC.
TNDALU cancels affiliation of 3 private law colleges for admission-rule violations
The Tamil Nadu Dr. Ambedkar Law University cancelled affiliation for three private law colleges after finding violations in admission norms.
Tamil Nadu may cut ATF VAT from 29% as budget move to lower airline operating costs
Tamil Nadu is considering reducing the 29% VAT on aviation turbine fuel, a key cost driver for airlines, ahead of the State budget.
Cheran elected president of South Indian Film Writers Association in Chennai poll with 432 votes
Director Cheran won the South Indian Film Writers Association presidential election held in Chennai on July 19, 2026.
Amit Shah opens India’s first immersive language museum at National Library, Kolkata
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Museum of Word, India’s first immersive language museum, at the National Library campus in Kolkata on 19 July 2026.
18 July 2026
15 storiesNASA astronaut Anil Menon reaches ISS aboard Soyuz MS-29 with two Russian cosmonauts
On July 15, 2026, NASA astronaut Anil Menon reached the International Space Station on Soyuz MS-29 with Russian cosmonauts Pyotr Dubrov and Anna Kikina.
DoS memo on ISRO staff exits: Gaganyaan-linked resignations to be held till mission completion
On July 14, 2026, the Department of Space issued a memo asking ISRO centres not to routinely accept resignations from Group A scientific and technical staff on Gaganyaan and other key missions.
Vikram-1 becomes India’s first private orbital rocket to place payloads in 450-km LEO
On July 18, 2026, Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 became India’s first privately developed orbital rocket to deploy payloads into low Earth orbit from Sriharikota.
June 2026 retail inflation at 4.4%: first breach of RBI’s 4% target since December 2024
Retail inflation hit an 18-month high of 4.4% in June 2026, driven by food, fuel and higher gold and silver prices.
EPF Scheme 2026 makes contributions above ₹1,800 voluntary for wages beyond ₹15,000 ceiling
The Labour Ministry notified the Employees' Provident Funds Scheme 2026 on June 29, 2026, making contributions above the wage ceiling voluntary.
GST revenue rose 13.9% in June 2026 to ₹1.95 lakh crore; import collections outpaced domestic sales
GST completed nine years on July 1, 2026, while June revenue rose 13.9% to ₹1.95 lakh crore, driven mainly by imports.
RBI July 2026 surveys: household inflation expectations, rural and urban confidence inputs for MPC
RBI launched three July 2026 surveys on July 9 to feed monetary policy, including inflation expectations across 19 cities and confidence surveys across 31 States/UTs.
RBI data governance framework for banks: board oversight, annual review and DPDP Act 2023 compliance
RBI issued a data governance framework for banks and regulated entities to improve data quality, security and accountability.
Cabinet clears ₹1.27 lakh crore Semicon Mission 2.0, ₹62,500 crore mobile manufacturing scheme and new highway projects
The Union Cabinet approved Semicon Mission 2.0, a mobile phone manufacturing scheme, two highway projects and nine gas-based urea plants.
RBI flags West Asia crisis, weak monsoon and 5.1% FY27 inflation forecast as key growth risks
RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said West Asia tensions and a weak monsoon are major risks, while FY27 inflation is projected at 5.1%.
NITI Aayog’s first Investment Friendliness Index 2026: Gujarat tops major States, Tamil Nadu ranks third
NITI Aayog’s first Investment Friendliness Index 2026 placed Gujarat first among 17 major States, with Tamil Nadu at third place.
Tamil Nadu gets 950 more MBBS seats for 2026-27, total rises to 13,999
The NMC has approved 950 additional MBBS seats in Tamil Nadu for 2026-27, taking the State total to 13,999 across 78 colleges.
Tamil Nadu forms expert panels for dam safety review of 86 dams, including Mettur and Vaigai
Tamil Nadu has set up independent expert panels to scrutinise 86 dams and reservoirs, with first comprehensive assessments due by 30 December 2026.
Tamil Nadu appoints facilitation officers for education loans in all districts
Tamil Nadu’s Collegiate Education Department has appointed Facilitation Officers in all districts to help students obtain education loans for higher studies.
Tamil Nadu Census 2027 self-enumeration begins: July 17-31 online phase, Aug 1-30 house listing
Tamil Nadu began Census 2027 self-enumeration on July 17, 2026, with a two-phase process and an online portal/mobile app for households.
17 July 2026
15 storiesKolathur post office gets passport seva centre; L. Murugan inaugurates it in Chennai
A new passport seva centre was inaugurated at Kolathur post office in Chennai by Union Minister L. Murugan.
Delhi Red Fort closed till 15 August 2026 for Independence Day security arrangements
The Archaeological Survey of India has closed Delhi’s Red Fort until 15 August 2026 ahead of the 80th Independence Day celebrations.
U.S. visa rule change for F, J and I categories: 4-year cap, 30-day exit window, 2024-25 India data
The U.S. has fixed new admission limits for F, J and I nonimmigrant visas, affecting Indian students and journalists.
TN paddy procurement crisis: Anbumani urges faster movement of stocks from procurement centres
Anbumani Ramadoss urged the Tamil Nadu government to move paddy bags from procurement centres to warehouses and mills to keep procurement uninterrupted.
Telangana crosses 10,000 MBBS seats after NMC approves 810 more seats for 2026-27
Telangana’s MBBS intake rose to 10,250 after the National Medical Commission approved 810 additional seats for 2026-27.
Kerala’s Priyadarshini scheme lifts women ridership on KSRTC ordinary buses
After Kerala’s Priyadarshini free travel scheme, women’s daily ridership on KSRTC ordinary buses rose from 6.48 lakh to 12.12 lakh.
Amrit Bharat Station Scheme: PM to inaugurate 4 redeveloped Karnataka stations on July 17
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will virtually inaugurate four redeveloped railway stations in Karnataka under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme on July 17, 2026.
India to introduce first engineering biology course; bioeconomy target set for 2047
The Union science minister announced India’s first engineering biology course and outlined a $2.6 trillion bioeconomy goal by 2047.
India’s first hydrogen-powered train to run on Jind–Sonipat route in Haryana
India will flag off its first hydrogen-powered train on the 89-km Jind–Sonipat stretch in Haryana on July 17, 2026.
BIMSTEC security chiefs adopt anti-terror and maritime law enforcement principles in New Delhi
At a July 16, 2026 meeting in New Delhi, BIMSTEC national security chiefs agreed on joint action against terrorism and endorsed maritime law enforcement principles.
ISRO resignation rules tightened after 100+ scientists exit; DoS takes direct control
The Centre has tightened resignation and voluntary retirement rules for ISRO Group A scientists and technical experts working on Gaganyaan and other key missions.
Supreme Court closes petitions against SIR in Tamil Nadu after election roll revision is completed
The Supreme Court closed petitions filed by DMK, VCK and others against the Special Intensive Revision process in Tamil Nadu after the exercise and election were completed.
Tamil Nadu forms 14-member Ancient Monuments Commission headed by retired ASI officer M. Nambirajan
Tamil Nadu government formed a 14-member Ancient Monuments Commission headed by retired ASI officer M. Nambirajan on July 16, 2026.
Supreme Court asks states to frame policy for early release of terminally ill and elderly prisoners within 3 months
The Supreme Court directed all states and Union Territories to frame a policy within 3 months for early release of terminally ill and prisoners above 70 years.
EPFO credits FY 2025-26 PF interest at 8.25% to 34 crore accounts on July 15
EPFO credited FY 2025-26 provident fund interest at 8.25% to 34 crore accounts in one go on July 15 after CITES-based processing.
16 July 2026
14 storiesMekedatu dispute: Tamil Nadu farmers protest Karnataka’s reservoir plan and cite Cauvery water loss
Farmers protested at Hosur on July 15, 2026, opposing Karnataka’s Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir Project and citing large Cauvery-linked crop losses in Tamil Nadu.
Tamil Nadu heatwave till July 17: RMC warns of 41.6°C in Vellore and hotter interior districts
RMC said abnormal heatwave conditions will continue in interior Tamil Nadu till July 17, with Vellore touching 41.6°C and rainfall likely to improve later this week.
UN warns over 500 Rohingya feared dead after two boat sinkings off Myanmar and Bangladesh
UNHCR and IOM said more than 500 Rohingya may have died after two boats sank since late June 2026, with one carrying about 250 people and another about 280 people.
Strait of Hormuz and Greater Tunb: why the island matters in West Asia security
U.S. airstrikes on Greater Tunb Island on July 15, 2026 highlighted the island’s strategic role near the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil passes.
India-EU semiconductor cooperation deepens under Semicon 2.0 and TTC talks
India and the EU agreed to deepen cooperation in semiconductors, AI, 6G and quantum technologies, while India’s Semicon 2.0 was approved with about $13.25 billion outlay.
India-UK CETA and FTAs: market access, tariffs and MSME opportunities
On July 15, 2026, industry leaders said FTAs and the India-UK CETA can expand market access for India’s MSMEs and exporters.
Maraimalai Adigal’s 150th birth anniversary and the continuing debate on Tamil language purity
In Chennai, leaders marked Maraimalai Adigal’s 150th birth anniversary and highlighted his role in the Tamil language purity movement.
Madras High Court on cremation rights: local body limits and burial ground control
In July 2026, the Madurai Bench held that residents of one local body cannot claim cremation or burial rights in another local body’s controlled ground.
Palani temple land scam: CBCID probe begins after Rs 100 crore property was registered for Rs 2 crore
A CBCID team has begun probing the Palani temple land fraud involving a Rs 100 crore property allegedly registered for Rs 2 crore.
Kudankulam nuclear plant data leak: 2027 Unit 3-4 project, 2,000 MW and CERT-In probe
Reports on leaked Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant documents highlight cyber-security concerns, the 2027 target for Units 3 and 4, and a CERT-In probe.
Madras High Court nullifies Palani math land sale deed over 1.35 acres in Dindigul district
On 15 July 2026, the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court declared a sale deed for 1.35 acres of Palani math land null and void and sent the matter for further hearing on 17 July.
ISRO memo on 14 July 2026 seeks to stop resignations from Gaganyaan and key missions
A July 2026 Department of Space memorandum asked ISRO centres not to accept routine resignations or voluntary retirement from Group A scientific and technical staff on Gaganyaan and other key missions.
EPFO credits 8.25% interest for FY 2025-26 to 34 crore provident fund accounts
EPFO credited FY 2025-26 provident fund interest to 34 crore accounts on 15 July 2026 at 8.25%, with over ₹1.44 lakh crore processed through CITES.
India-U.K. DCC from 15 July 2026: 60-month social security exemption for detached workers
The India-U.K. Double Contributions Convention took effect on 15 July 2026, extending social security exemption for detached workers from 12 months to 60 months.
15 July 2026
15 storiesCAMPA approves wildlife conservation projects and extends MISHTI with ₹600 crore outlay
National CAMPA approved projects for river dolphins, snow leopards, Indian rhinoceroses and wild water buffaloes and extended MISHTI for three more years.
Anil Menon in ISS: first NASA astronaut of Malayali descent and Soyuz MS-29 mission facts
NASA astronaut Anil Menon reached the ISS on July 15, 2026 aboard Soyuz MS-29 for an eight-month Expedition 74 mission.
India-EU trade and technology talks in Brussels: 3rd TTC, FTA and security partnership
On July 14-15, 2026, S. Jaishankar’s Brussels visit for the 3rd India-EU Trade and Technology Council highlighted the January 2026 summit, FTA progress and maritime security.
India records 12.71 lakh cybercrime complaints in 6 months; Tamil Nadu reports 63,116 cases
India logged 12.71 lakh cybercrime complaints from January 1 to June 30, 2026, with Tamil Nadu accounting for 63,116 cases.
RPwD Act amended to cover acid ingestion victims; retrospective benefits enabled
The Centre told the Supreme Court that the RPwD Act, 2016 has been amended to include acid ingestion victims with internal injuries.
Centre bans paraquat dichloride under Insecticides Act, 1968 after poisoning deaths
The Centre has notified a ban on paraquat dichloride under the Insecticides Act, 1968, after concerns over poisoning deaths and no antidote.
Chennai traffic data integration plan to link 30+ departments under CUMTA at an estimated ₹146.7 crore
CUMTA plans to integrate traffic and infrastructure data from over 30 departments in Chennai at an estimated cost of ₹146.7 crore.
Hyundai CSR provides 900 bench desks to 18 government schools in Chennai
On 14 July 2026, Hyundai Mobis CSR supplied 900 bench desks worth ₹70 lakh to 18 government schools in Chennai.
Tamil Nadu issues NOC for 15 CBSE/other-board schools and start-up permission for 10 private schools in July 2026
On 14 July 2026, Tamil Nadu issued NOCs for 15 CBSE and other-board schools and start-up permission orders for 10 private schools.
Tamil Nadu teachers seek resolution of secondary-grade salary anomaly, old pension and exam-related relief
A teachers’ federation met School Education Minister Rajmohan in Chennai on 15 July 2026 and pressed for salary parity, old pension and recruitment-related relief.
Palani temple land worth ₹100 crore: recovery, suspension and court-linked registration issue explained
Tamil Nadu ministers said the ₹100 crore Palani temple land registered on 6 July 2026 will be recovered and the sub-registrar has been suspended.
Tamil Nadu 2026-27 budget prep: Vijay reviews dairy, fisheries and highways, orders milk procurement push
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay held department-wise review meetings from 2 July 2026 and asked officials to increase Aavin milk procurement and prepare a 10-year road plan.
Assam deported 1,679 Bangladeshis in 2 years; CM cites July 2024–June 2026 action
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said 1,679 Bangladeshis were deported between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2026.
India–UK CETA enters into force, boosting tariff-free access for Telangana exports
The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement came into force on July 15, 2026, with Telangana expecting export gains.
Andhra Pradesh governance reforms: Naidu orders new Business Rules, 27 lakh pattadar passbooks and ₹900 crore land recovery
Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu on 15 July 2026 ordered reforms in Business Rules, technology-led governance and faster land administration.
14 July 2026
15 storiesPoomani, Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Tamil writer and chronicler of karisal bhoomi, dies at 79
Writer Poomani, known for Agnaadi and karisal bhoomi narratives, died in Chennai on June 13, 2026 at the age of 79.
Supreme Court stays Madras High Court order on statewide cow slaughter ban in Tamil Nadu
The Supreme Court stayed the Madras High Court’s May 27, 2026 order directing a statewide ban on cow and calf slaughter in Tamil Nadu.
Aavin to revive button paal milk vending machines in Kodaikanal and Ooty on pilot basis
Aavin will reinstall Automatic Vending Machines in Kodaikanal and Udhagamandalam on a pilot basis after a 2014 shutdown.
Tamil Nadu Police intensify surveillance on six trains to curb ganja smuggling
In July 2026, Tamil Nadu Police stepped up checks on six long-distance trains and reported 1,020 drug cases in the month so far.
Vellore and Ranipet get new sub health centres under 15th Finance Commission funding
On 2026, the Chief Minister inaugurated two sub health centres in Vellore and Ranipet built at ₹45 lakh each under the 15th Finance Commission.
Tamil Nadu transfers DVAC chief A. Arun; IG C. Mageshwari gets additional charge
On 13 July 2026, A. Arun was moved out of DVAC and C. Mageshwari was given additional charge as its Director.
Tamil Nadu IAS reshuffle: TNMSC, Civil Supplies and Animal Husbandry posts changed on 13 July 2026
On 13 July 2026, the Tamil Nadu government transferred H. Krishnanunni, S.P. Amrith and Shilpa Prabhakar Satish in key administrative posts.
GST completes 9 years: June 2026 revenue rose 13.9% to ₹1.95 lakh crore, imports drove growth
GST revenue rose 13.9% to ₹1.95 lakh crore in June 2026, with imports growing faster than domestic transactions.
India’s new Index of Services Production: 19 sub-sectors, 60% coverage, April 2026 growth data
The inaugural Index of Services Production showed 14 of 19 sub-sectors growing in double digits in April 2026, with 60% sector coverage.
Union Cabinet clears ₹30,000 crore more for NIIF; total government commitment rises to ₹60,000 crore
The Union Cabinet approved ₹30,000 crore additional investment in NIIF, taking the government’s total commitment to ₹60,000 crore.
RBI’s July 2026 household, rural and urban confidence surveys: key inputs for August MPC
RBI launched three July 2026 surveys across 19 cities and 31 States/UTs to support monetary policy before the August 3-5 MPC meeting.
India-U.K. CETA and Double Contribution Convention: tariff cuts, 30 chapters and 5-year social security relief
The India-U.K. trade deal and social security pact come into force on 15 July 2026, covering tariffs, services and 75,000 Indian workers.
June 2026 retail inflation rises to 4.4%: RBI target, food inflation and fuel impact
Retail inflation rose to 4.4% in June 2026, crossing the RBI’s 4% target for the first time since December 2024.
Tamil Nadu’s AAY rice drawal, NFSA 2013 entitlement and PMGKAY extension: key food security facts
Tamil Nadu drew less rice than its AAY quota in five of seven years, while the Centre’s proposed change and PMGKAY extension raise food-security questions.
Tamil Nadu launches Nalam TN portal; ₹139.47 crore health upgrades and 2,144 MRB appointments announced
On 14 July 2026, Tamil Nadu launched the Nalam TN portal and announced ₹139.47 crore worth of hospital upgrades plus 2,144 MRB appointments.
13 July 2026
15 storiesWest Bengal seeks HPV vaccination support for sex workers in Sonagachi, Kolkata
On July 12, 2026, West Bengal Health Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee sought DMSC support to provide HPV vaccination to sex workers in Sonagachi.
Assam destroys ₹472.51 crore narcotics in state-level drive led by CM Himanta Biswa Sarma
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma led a state-level destruction drive of narcotics worth ₹472.51 crore in Guwahati on July 2026.
TN vigilance case: former minister E.V. Velu says he will appear for inquiry on July 15, 2026
Former minister E.V. Velu said he would appear before the vigilance inquiry on July 15, 2026 in a ₹3.23 crore road-department tender case.
Tamil Nadu temple land issue: Karur 3,085-acre estate worth ₹25,000 crore draws political scrutiny
A political row has emerged over 3,085 acres of temple land in Karur, valued at ₹25,000 crore, and the process of removal of pattas.
Telangana kharif outlook weak as 382 of 605 mandals face monsoon failure
Monsoon failure across 382 mandals has darkened Telangana’s kharif prospects despite higher acreage than last year.
Telangana SIR electoral roll revision: 2002 voter details, Form 6 and Form 8 rules explained
Telangana’s Special Intensive Revision has brought focus on 2002 voter details, notice-based verification, and address-change forms.
Perambur MLA office opening and citizen grievance app launch in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay is set to open the Perambur MLA office on July 13, 2026 and launch a citizen grievance app.
Tamil Nadu heatwave alert: 7°F above normal from July 13 to 16, 2026
IMD Chennai said Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal may see temperatures rise up to 7°F above normal from July 13 to 16, 2026.
Forest Department to auction 100 tonnes of red sanders with ₹52.38 crore reserve price
Tamil Nadu Forest Department has put 100 tonnes of red sanders for e-auction through MSTC with a reserve price of ₹52.38 crore.
Tamil Nadu typewriting institutes must renew recognition by 19 July 2026
Tamil Nadu’s typewriting and shorthand institutes must apply online for annual recognition renewal by 19 July 2026, with fees fixed by the Directorate of Technical Education.
IRCTC website upgrade: four key changes to improve ticket booking experience
IRCTC is set to launch an upgraded website with four major changes, including removal of unnecessary captchas and pop-ups.
NGT orders integrated fire-safety audit of hazardous waste units in Tamil Nadu
The National Green Tribunal directed the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board to conduct integrated audits with the Fire and Rescue Services across hazardous waste facilities in the State.
Thailand’s Bangkok pub fire kills 27; rescue officials cite circuit-breaker smoke near stage
A fire at the Na Ladprao pub in Bangkok on July 13, 2026 killed at least 27 people and is under investigation.
Horse-trading allegation in Tamil Nadu: DMK to submit video evidence to Governor
DMK plans to meet Governor Arlekar on July 13, 2026 with video evidence over alleged horse-trading in Tamil Nadu politics.
Andhra Pradesh COVID-19 resurgence: 2 deaths and 8 confirmed cases in Kadapa
Andhra Pradesh reported 2 deaths and 8 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kadapa district, with containment measures intensified.