Current Affairs · 27 Jul – 2 Aug 2026
TNPSC current affairs for the week of 27 Jul – 2 Aug 2026, grouped by day.
2 August 2026
15 storiesTejaswin Shankar wins India’s first Commonwealth decathlon medal in Glasgow 2026
Tejaswin Shankar won bronze in the men’s decathlon at the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, becoming the first Indian to medal in the event.
U.S.-Israel Iran strike pause and Hormuz Strait demand: West Asia escalation, August 2026
On 1 August 2026, Donald Trump said the U.S. and Israel would hold off fresh strikes on Iran if a deal is reached quickly, with the Hormuz Strait opening cited as a condition.
Commercial LPG cylinder price cut in Chennai; Delhi 19-kg cylinder falls to ₹2,738 in August 2026
In August 2026, commercial LPG prices fell by ₹200 in Chennai and by ₹192 in Delhi, while domestic cylinder prices stayed unchanged.
Tamil Nadu allocates ₹11 crore to shift the Chief Minister’s office to Namakkal Kavignar Maligai
Tamil Nadu has sanctioned ₹11 crore in August 2026 to relocate the Chief Minister’s office from Fort St. George to Namakkal Kavignar Maligai.
Vande Bharat used to transport a donated heart 250 km from Surat to Ahmedabad for a successful transplant
In August 2026, a donated heart was moved by Vande Bharat Express from Surat to Ahmedabad in 2 hours for a successful transplant at UN Mehta Institute.
Petroleum Ministry says 20% ethanol blending helped avoid petrol prices touching ₹125 per litre during Iran war
In August 2026, the Petroleum Ministry said E20 blending kept petrol prices lower during the Iran war period and saved consumers up to ₹30 per litre.
Andhra’s Bhogapuram airport, named after Alluri Sitarama Raju, opened with ₹4,727 crore project; India’s airport count rose to 166
In August 2026, PM Modi opened Bhogapuram International Airport in Andhra Pradesh and highlighted India’s airport expansion from 74 in 2014 to 166 in 12 years.
Tanvi Sharma reaches Taipei Open Super 300 women’s singles final in Taipei City
Tanvi Sharma entered the women's singles final of the Taipei Open Super 300 in Taipei City after beating Yu Hsuan 21-17, 21-11 in the semifinal.
Unnati Sharma wins bronze in women’s 63 kg judo at CWG 2026 in Glasgow
At the 23rd Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Unnati Sharma won bronze in the women's 63 kg judo event with a 100-0 win over South Africa's Sky Noyster.
Western U.S. heat dome on Aug 1, 2026: record temperatures, wildfire risk and NWS warnings
A heat dome over the western U.S. on August 1, 2026 pushed Las Vegas, Phoenix and El Centro toward record temperatures and raised wildfire risk.
Colombia truck bomb near Cucuta before Aug 7, 2026 inauguration: ELN blamed, 14 injured
A truck bomb near Cucuta on August 1, 2026 injured 14 people and was blamed by Colombia on the ELN ahead of President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella's August 7 oath-taking.
U.S. Justice Department subpoenas NYT journalist Matthew Cole in North Korea leak probe
On 1 August 2026, the U.S. Justice Department subpoenaed freelance journalist Matthew Cole over a 2025 New York Times story on a botched 2019 North Korea operation.
Peru Nazca Lines tourist plane crash: 13 killed, airline Aerodiana and investigation details
A tourist plane operated by Aerodiana crashed near Nazca, Peru, on 1 August 2026, killing 13 people including 7 Italians, 2 Spaniards and 2 Germans.
Dharmapuram Aadheenam’s Thirumurai mobile app effort praised by Nirmala Sitharaman in Chennai
At the 34th Deiva Sekkizhar festival in Chennai, Nirmala Sitharaman praised Dharmapuram Aadheenam’s effort to bring Thirumurai to youth through a mobile app.
Adani Group donates ₹11 crore for Assam flood relief and rehabilitation in 2026
In 2026, Adani Group donated ₹11 crore to Assam Chief Minister’s Relief Fund for flood relief and rehabilitation.
1 August 2026
15 storiesUnion Cabinet clears ₹5,070 crore floating solar plants and ₹84,084 crore Samudra Manthan; PM-KISAN extended to 2030-31
The Union Cabinet on July 31, 2026 approved ₹5,070 crore for floating solar plants, ₹84,084 crore for Samudra Manthan, and extended PM-KISAN to 2030-31.
U.S.-Iran tensions over Strait of Hormuz and July 2026 truce collapse
In July 2026, the White House said Donald Trump was weighing new strikes on Iran as Tehran was pressed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz after a truce collapsed.
BRICS 2026: Xi Jinping may visit India for Delhi summit amid India-China thaw
China’s President Xi Jinping may visit India in September 2026 for the BRICS summit in Delhi, with India-China ties showing a cautious improvement.
CBI case on Nokia officials over ₹19.33 crore EPFO fraud using 94 fake PF accounts
CBI has booked two Nokia officials for allegedly diverting ₹19.33 crore from EPFO through 94 fake PF accounts.
Delhi court sentences 5, including ex-AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, to life in Ankit Sharma murder case
A Delhi court sentenced five people, including former AAP councillor Tahir Hussain, to life imprisonment in the 2020 Ankit Sharma murder case.
High Court extends stay on by-election notification for 5 Tamil Nadu constituencies until Aug 24
The Madras High Court extended the stay on by-election notification for five Tamil Nadu constituencies, including Trichy East and Viralimali, until Aug. 24.
Tamil Nadu Forest Department gets new head A. Udhayan; snake-rescue training for 50+ fire personnel
A. Udhayan took charge as Tamil Nadu Forest Department head in Chennai, with his 1991 batch IFS background and snake-rescue training for 50+ fire personnel highlighted.
Special audit ordered on Palani sub-registrar Justin Manikandan’s records after land irregularity allegations
A six-member special committee will examine all documents registered by Palani sub-registrar Justin Manikandan from February 5, 2024 until suspension.
Madras High Court orders eviction of encroachments on ₹1,000 crore temple lands in Dharmapuri within 12 weeks
The Madras High Court directed the HR&CE Department to remove encroachments on temple lands worth ₹1,000 crore in Dharmapuri within 12 weeks.
Tamil Nadu allocates ₹340 crore for drinking water, water-source improvement and crop support in August 2026
On August 1, 2026, Tamil Nadu ordered ₹340 crore for water-source improvement, uninterrupted drinking water supply and related agricultural support.
Varsha Ashok Aglawe becomes first woman Director General of Geological Survey of India in 176 years
Varsha Ashok Aglawe took charge as the 54th Director General of the Geological Survey of India on July 31, 2026, becoming its first woman head.
TN school education department plans recruitment of 2,000 graduate teachers through TRB in 2026
Tamil Nadu school education department will recruit 2,000 graduate teachers and teacher trainers through TRB, with notification in August 2026 and exam in November.
Kyiv attack in August 2026 kills 4 as Russia intensifies long-range strikes on Ukraine
Russian strikes on Kyiv on August 1, 2026 killed at least four people and wounded 15, according to Ukrainian officials.
Peru ex-President Ollanta Humala freed after 15-year money-laundering sentence was quashed
Peru’s former President Ollanta Humala was released on July 31, 2026 after his 15-year sentence in the Odebrecht money-laundering case was overturned.
Commercial LPG prices cut in August 2026; Delhi and Kolkata rates revised, domestic LPG unchanged
On August 1, 2026, commercial LPG cylinder prices were reduced in Kolkata and Delhi, while domestic LPG prices remained unchanged.
31 July 2026
1 stories30 July 2026
15 storiesWestern Australia University to set up Chennai campus; first international university campus in Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu signed an MoU in July 2026 for the University of Western Australia campus in Chennai, along with new GCC and R&D investments.
Madras High Court rejects anticipatory bail in TASMAC tender scam linked to Senthil Balaji
On 28 July 2026, the Chennai High Court refused anticipatory bail to former minister V. Senthil Balaji in the TASMAC liquor procurement and tender scam case.
Public Examinations Amendment Bill 2026: tougher penalties for paper leak offences in Parliament
The Rajya Sabha took up the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill 2026, which raises penalties and sets trial timelines.
TN Assembly Mekedatu resolution: HC challenge over tribunal amendment and unanimous adoption claim
AIADMK has moved the Madras High Court against the June 19 Tamil Nadu Assembly resolution on Mekedatu, challenging the amendment that sought a tribunal.
India gold demand falls 6% in Apr-Jun 2026 as value rises 50%, says WGC
World Gold Council data showed India’s gold demand fell 6% to 131.4 tonnes in April-June 2026, while value rose 50% to ₹1,98,100 crore.
EU to fund 7 AI gigafactories with €10 billion to narrow gap with US and China
The European Union announced seven AI gigafactories with €10 billion funding and aims to attract €20 billion in private investment.
Supreme Court on post facto environmental clearances: 2021 MoEFCC OM quashed, 2006 EIA prior EC reaffirmed
The Supreme Court on July 29, 2026 quashed the 2021 MoEFCC OM on ex post facto environmental clearances and reaffirmed the 2006 EIA rule of prior EC.
E20 petrol: Gadkari tells Parliament fuel economy may fall 2-6%, but emissions can drop about 30%
Nitin Gadkari told Parliament on July 30, 2026 that E20 petrol may reduce mileage by 2-6% but can cut emissions by about 30% versus E10.
Lok Sabha passes 2026 Bill to amend law on insults to national honour, including Vande Mataram
The Lok Sabha passed the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 on July 30, 2026.
CWRC orders Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu for 15 days
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee ordered Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from July 29, 2026.
Tamil Nadu forms 2026-27 Expert Advisory Committee to track El Niño, drought and flood risks
Tamil Nadu has set up a committee on July 28, 2026 to assess El Niño impacts and advise on disaster preparedness.
NGT permits TANGEDCO to continue Ennore SEZ thermal plant work for four weeks
The NGT allowed TANGEDCO four weeks to continue Ennore SEZ Thermal Power Plant work while seeking extension of environmental and CRZ clearances.
Tamil Nadu signs MoUs for GCCs and first foreign university campus in Chennai
Tamil Nadu signed four MoUs on 30 July 2026, including UWA’s first international campus in Chennai and new GCC and R&D centres.
CWMA upholds order for Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu
The CWMA upheld the CWRC order directing Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water a day to Tamil Nadu for 15 days.
Tamil Nadu extends regularisation deadline for unapproved layouts till 30 June 2027
Tamil Nadu extended the online regularisation deadline for eligible unapproved layouts and plots to 30 June 2027 under GO 148.
29 July 2026
14 storiesSupreme Court orders release of students detained over NEET protest and protects CCTV, drone records
The Supreme Court directed the Union and state governments to release students detained in NEET protest cases and preserve CCTV and drone footage.
Tamil Nadu to launch integrated app for rooftop solar projects and faster approvals
Tamil Nadu plans an integrated app, simpler approval process and a new policy to speed up rooftop solar projects and related services.
Japan’s 7.1 Kyushu quake: 13 deaths, tsunami advisory and rescue task force
Japan reported 13 deaths after a 7.1-magnitude quake hit Kumamoto in Kyushu on July 28, 2026, with a temporary tsunami advisory and a government task force.
Zelenskyy-Trump White House talks on Patriot interceptor production and Russia diplomacy
On July 28, 2026, Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his White House meeting with Donald Trump covered Patriot interceptor production licenses and reviving talks with Russia.
U.S.-Saudi strikes in eastern Iraq: Iran-backed militias, IRGC and drone attacks
On July 28, 2026, U.S. Central Command said American and Saudi aircraft struck logistics and weapons sites in eastern Iraq after more than 30 IRGC-directed drone attacks in 72 hours.
IACS at 150: Mahendralal Sircar’s 1876 scientific institution and C.V. Raman link
The Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, founded on July 29, 1876, is highlighted for its role in Indian scientific research and C.V. Raman’s early experiments.
Lead pollution near schools: report flags 2,840 schools across 17 countries, with New Delhi private schools most exposed
A report mapped 2,840 schools near toxic sites in 17 countries and found more than 90% of New Delhi’s private schools near contaminated sites.
Madras High Court quashes lookout notice against former minister E.V. Velu in highway irregularity case
The Madras High Court quashed the lookout notice against former minister E.V. Velu and extended interim protection till August 14.
Assam floods: 4.45 lakh affected, 68 dead as PM Modi reviews relief and rescue operations
PM Narendra Modi reviewed Assam flood relief and rescue operations after 4.45 lakh people were affected across more than 12 districts.
Tamil Nadu CM writes to PM on Mekedatu, cites Supreme Court and tribunal provisions
Tamil Nadu’s Chief Minister wrote to the Prime Minister seeking withdrawal of a Union minister’s reply on the Mekedatu project and citing legal provisions on downstream states’ consent.
Cauvery Water Regulation Committee orders Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs to Tamil Nadu for 15 days
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee directed Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days from July 29, 2026.
Tamil Nadu creates ₹50 crore revolving fund and new disaster institute for heat resilience
Tamil Nadu announced a ₹50-crore revolving fund for district-level disaster response and a ₹55-crore State Disaster Management Institute in Chennai.
ISSF World Cup 2026: India’s Sonam Uttam Maskar-Himanshu Dhillon win bronze in 10m air rifle mixed team
At the ISSF World Cup in Hangzhou, India’s Sonam Uttam Maskar and Himanshu Dhillon won bronze with 441.2 points in the 10m air rifle mixed team event.
FIDE World Chess Championship 2026: Gukesh to face Javokhir Sindarov in Geneva
FIDE said the World Chess Championship between D. Gukesh and Javokhir Sindarov will be held in Geneva from November 25 to December 15, 2026.
28 July 2026
15 storiesU.S. House approves 2027 NDAA with record $1.15 trillion Pentagon funding
The U.S. House passed the 2027 National Defence Authorisation Act with $1.15 trillion for the Pentagon in a 216-212 vote.
Congo Ebola outbreak crosses 3,262 cases in Ituri; fastest spread since 2018-20
Congo’s 2026 Ebola outbreak has reached 3,262 cases and 1,437 deaths, with the virus spreading in eastern Ituri Province.
India’s Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign targets child marriage-free nation by 2030
On July 28, 2026, Union Minister Savitri Thakur said India is working with civil society under the Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat campaign to end child marriage by 2030.
Supreme Court on protest rights: release of minors, possible independent probe into police excesses in Delhi and States
On July 28, 2026, the Supreme Court ordered release of detained minors and considered an independent probe into alleged police excesses during student protests linked to the NEET paper leak.
India’s mine-closure corpus of ₹40,000 crore pushes circular economy and green reuse
The Union government’s ₹40,000-crore mine-closure corpus and 2025 guidelines aim to scientifically close more than 105 mines and support community development.
India space-tech funding hits $871 million by July 2026; Bengaluru leads with 57% share
A Tracxn report said India’s space-tech ecosystem raised about $871 million by July 2026, with Bengaluru accounting for 57% of the total funding.
Assam floods: 68 deaths, 11.44 lakh affected across 25 districts
Assam’s flood situation worsened in July 2026, with 68 deaths, 11.44 lakh affected people and 215 relief camps across 25 districts.
Tamil Nadu’s women’s monthly assistance may rise to ₹2,500; Virudhunagar gets 3,428 e-cards
On 28 July 2026, Tamil Nadu minister Jagadeeswari said the women’s monthly assistance is being raised to ₹2,500, while 3,428 beneficiaries received e-family cards in Virudhunagar.
Supreme Court orders release of minors and first-time offenders in NEET protest cases; preserves digital evidence
The Supreme Court ordered release of minors and first-time offenders arrested in NEET protest cases and directed preservation of CCTV, drone and wireless records.
Madras High Court quashes jobs granted to kin of Karur stampede victims citing Articles 14 and 16
The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court struck down government orders granting jobs to family members of Karur stampede victims, citing Articles 14 and 16.
Tamil Nadu forms Revenue Augmentation Committee headed by Montek Singh Ahluwalia
Tamil Nadu has constituted a Revenue Augmentation Committee under Montek Singh Ahluwalia to suggest measures for improving tax and non-tax revenues.
CWRC directs Karnataka to release 3,500 cusecs of Cauvery water daily to Tamil Nadu for 15 days
The Cauvery Water Regulation Committee has ordered Karnataka to release 4 tmcft of water to Tamil Nadu at 3,500 cusecs a day for 15 days amid drought conditions.
Tamil Nadu bans rough stone transport to other States for 3 months under amended 2011 mining rules
Tamil Nadu has imposed a three-month ban on transporting rough stones and aggregates to other States, except Puducherry and Karaikal, by amending the 2011 mining rules.
Andhra Pradesh student selected for Mission ShaktiSat, world’s first all-girls global lunar CubeSat mission
On July 28, 2026, Andhra Pradesh HRD and IT Minister Nara Lokesh met class X student Kandula Jessie, selected for Mission ShaktiSat, the world’s first all-girls global lunar CubeSat mission.
Kerala CM seeks easing of Tamil Nadu stone transport curbs for interstate highway projects
Kerala Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan asked Tamil Nadu CM Vijay to relax restrictions linked to G.O. No. 306 dated the 9th, citing highway and port-linked projects.
27 July 2026
15 storiesComet 10P/Tempel 2 visible in Bengaluru: 5.5-year periodic comet, peak around August 2-3
Comet 10P/Tempel 2, discovered in 1873 and returning every 5.5 years, is visible in Bengaluru in late July and early August 2026.
South Korea: Yoon Suk Yeol gets suspended 18-month jail term in 2022 campaign false-statement case
A Seoul court in July 2026 sentenced ousted South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol to 18 months in prison, suspended for 3 years, for false statements made during his 2022 campaign.
India protests to Ukraine over killing of Indian seafarer in Black Sea attack on MV Omorfi
India summoned Ukraine’s ambassador on July 27, 2026, after an Indian seafarer was killed in a drone attack on the merchant vessel MV Omorfi in the Black Sea.
Bombay High Court allows Nitin Gadkari to sue Meta, Google and X over EBP-linked deepfake posts
The Bombay High Court permitted Union Minister Nitin Gadkari to file a civil suit against Meta, Google and X over allegedly defamatory posts linked to the Ethanol Blending Programme.
Tamil Nadu CM announces ₹30 lakh incentive for Raja Muthupandi after Commonwealth silver in Glasgow
Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Vijay announced ₹30 lakh for weightlifter Raja Muthupandi after his silver medal in the men’s 65 kg event at Glasgow 2026.
PMK shadow budget 2026-27: 1 lakh govt jobs, ₹300 LPG subsidy, 5 new districts, social justice survey
PMK released its 24th shadow budget with proposals on jobs, subsidies, new districts, pensions and welfare measures for Tamil Nadu.
Madras High Court PIL on Karur Devadanam temple lands: 3,084.95 acres, 3,390 pattadars, Section 22A issue
A PIL before the Madras High Court challenges lifting the registration ban on 3,084.95 acres of temple lands in Karur district.
India approves Qdenga as first dengue vaccine, with age 4-60 use and serotype coverage
In 2026, India’s drug regulator approved Qdenga, the country’s first dengue vaccine, for ages 4 to 60 years against four dengue serotypes.
Tamil Nadu begins stakeholder talks on Thoothukudi shipyard land acquisition and rehabilitation package
In July 2026, Tamil Nadu held meetings with salt pan owners and labourers for land acquisition linked to the proposed Thoothukudi shipyard project.
Thanjavur district launches water budget exercise amid Cauvery dry spell and groundwater stress
In July 2026, the Thanjavur district administration began a Water Budget and Management exercise for taluks affected by reduced Cauvery flow and groundwater depletion.
Madras High Court orders armed police protection for retired IAS officer Sagayam in granite scam witness case
In July 2026, the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu DGP to provide armed police protection to retired IAS officer Sagayam, who is a witness in granite scam cases.
UNESCO adds Sarnath to World Heritage List; India’s total rises to 45 sites
Sarnath in Uttar Pradesh was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site at the 48th World Heritage Committee session in Busan on July 25, 2026.
Lok Sabha Bill 2026 to tighten anti-paper leak law with 2-month probe and 3-month trial limit
The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July 27, 2026 to strengthen anti-paper leak provisions.
Nilgiris closes Kalhatty Ghat Road to tourists again after High Court order
The Nilgiris district administration again closed Kalhatty Ghat Road to tourist vehicles on July 27, 2026, following Madras High Court orders.
Kerala’s Onam 2026 food support plan: 1.66 lakh MT rice, ₹53 crore kits for 6.09 lakh families
Kerala announced rice and wheat releases, free Onam kits worth ₹53 crore, and market interventions ahead of Onam 2026.