Top 10 important current affairs
National News
Tamil Nadu
International Current Affairs
Environment Current Affairs
Science & Technology
Economy Current Affairs
State News
Important Days
Persons & Awards
Tnpsc – 15 One-liners
Download Current Affairs
Practice Questions
Prepare for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2/2A, Group 4 and VAO examinations with the most important current affairs from July 12 to 18, 2026. This weekly revision covers National News, Tamil Nadu News, International Affairs, Environment, Science & Technology, Economy, State News, Important Days, Persons & Awards and important one-liners.
This blog provides a quick revision of the most important current affairs, while the complete detailed notes and practice questions are available in the downloadable TNPSC Weekly Current Affairs PDF.
1. TOP 10 IMPORTANT CURRENT AFFAIRS
1. India's Health and Energy Milestones
Achievement: India introduced Awiqli (insulin icodec), the world’s first once-weekly basal insulin by Novo Nordisk, cutting injections from 365 to 52 per year for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes patients.
Milestone: Clean energy sources met 50.2% of India’s electricity demand on 6 July 2026 — the second time this milestone has been achieved.
New Facility: ICMR is setting up India’s first High-Altitude Medicine and Public Health Research Centre at Keylong, Lahaul and Spiti district, Himachal Pradesh.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Basal insulin is a long-acting insulin that maintains steady blood sugar levels between meals, as opposed to fast-acting mealtime insulin.
- Exam point of view: Do not confuse the weekly insulin (Awiqli) with existing daily basal insulins like glargine or degludec — the “52 injections per year” figure is the key testable number.
2. Infrastructure: Varanasi Airport & Kartavya Bhawan Complex
Infrastructure First: Varanasi Airport will get India’s first six-lane underpass beneath an active runway — a 450-metre-long structure allowing road traffic while flights operate above.
Renaming: The Central Vista area in New Delhi is now referred to as the Kartavya Bhawan Complex, effective 12 July 2026, covering government buildings and Kartavya Marg.
Background: Rajpath was earlier renamed Kartavya Path in 2022; the new PMO complex was renamed Seva Teerth in 2025.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Central Vista is the central administrative zone of India, located between Rashtrapati Bhavan and India Gate, New Delhi.
- Exam point of view: Track the renaming sequence — Rajpath → Kartavya Path (2022) → Seva Teerth (PMO, 2025) → Kartavya Bhawan Complex (2026).
3. AISHE Report 2023–24 — Higher Education Growth
Milestone: India’s higher education enrolment reached a record 4.5 crore students as per AISHE (All India Survey on Higher Education) 2023–24.
GER Growth: Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) rose from 23.7 (2014–15) to 30 (2023–24).
Gender Parity: Female enrolment reached 2.24 crore (49.7% of total students); Gender Parity Index (GPI) stood at 1.08.
Inclusion: SC enrolment rose by 51.4%, ST enrolment by 75.7%, and OBC enrolment by 60.2% since 2014–15.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) measures total enrolment in a level of education regardless of age, as a percentage of the population in the relevant official age group.
- GPI (Gender Parity Index) close to 1 indicates near-equal enrolment of men and women; above 1 means more women than men are enrolled.
4. Education Performance Indices — PGI-D 2025–26 and PGI 2.0
PGI-D 2025–26: The Ministry of Education released the Performance Grading Index for Districts, using 70 indicators under 6 categories/11 domains, total score 600; 462 districts improved, but none reached the top ‘Utkarsh’ grade.
PGI 2.0: A separate framework for States/UTs, released for 2022–23 and 2023–24, uses 73 indicators under 2 categories/6 domains, total score 1,000.
Rankings: In PGI 2.0 for 2023–24, Chandigarh ranked first (703 points), followed by Punjab (631.1) and Delhi (623.7); Meghalaya ranked last (417.9).
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Do not confuse PGI-D (district-level, 70 indicators, 600 points) with PGI 2.0 (State/UT-level, 73 indicators, 1,000 points) — a frequent TNPSC distractor pair.
- Exam point of view: Remember the indicator/point-count pairing: PGI-D = 70/600; PGI 2.0 = 73/1,000.
5. Drug Import Ports — Navi Mumbai Airport Notified
Notification: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified Navi Mumbai Airport, Maharashtra, as an authorised port for importing drugs, amending Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945.
Count: This increases India’s notified drug import ports to 42. Body: The decision followed consultation with the Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB).
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 regulates import, manufacture and sale of drugs in India; Rule 43A of the Drugs Rules, 1945 lists approved entry ports.
6. 3rd BRICS Transport Working Group Meeting
Venue: The 3rd BRICS Transport Working Group (TWG) Meeting began in Nagpur, Maharashtra, under India’s BRICS Chairship 2026.
Theme: India’s BRICS Chairship theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
Focus: Discussions covered sustainable transport infrastructure, clean mobility, logistics resilience, and multimodal connectivity; organised by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH).
Statistic: BRICS nations together account for 49.5% of world population, 40% of global GDP, and 26% of global trade.
7. Tamil Nadu's Education Enrolment Trends
Tamil Nadu recorded 92% GER in primary, 95% in upper primary, 97% in secondary and 85% in higher secondary education. Its higher education GER reached 52.3%, with 2,983 colleges in the State.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- GER (Gross Enrolment Ratio) measures enrolment at a particular level of education as a percentage of the population in the official age group for that level.
- Higher education GER indicates the proportion of the eligible-age population enrolled in higher education.
- Exam Point of View: Remember the Tamil Nadu GER sequence — Primary 92%, Upper Primary 95%, Secondary 97%, Higher Secondary 85%.
- Tamil Nadu's higher education GER of 52.3% is an important TNPSC fact.
- Tamil Nadu has 2,983 colleges.
8. Tamil Nadu's Declining Total Fertility Rate
Tamil Nadu’s TFR declined to 1.3 in 2026, below the replacement level of 2.1, while 16% of the population is above 60 years.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- TFR (Total Fertility Rate) is the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years.
- Replacement-level fertility is generally considered 2.1.
- A TFR below 2.1 indicates fertility below the replacement level.
- Exam Point of View: Remember Tamil Nadu's TFR — 1.3 in 2026, compared with 1.4 in 2025.
- 16% of Tamil Nadu's population is above 60 years.
9. Pichavaram Mangroves' Economic Valuation
Pichavaram Mangrove Forest was valued at ₹2,485.38 crore for its ecosystem services, including around ₹1,612 crore in blue carbon value.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Blue carbon refers to carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses and salt marshes.
- Pichavaram Mangrove Forest is located in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu.
- Pichavaram is recognised as a Ramsar Site.
- Exam Point of View: Remember the valuation — ₹2,485.38 crore ecosystem services and approximately ₹1,612 crore blue carbon value.
10. ISRO's Gaganyaan Parachute Test and CE20 Engine Hot Test
ISRO conducted IMAT-05 for Gaganyaan G1 at Sheopur and completed the CE20 engine hot test at Mahendragiri for the upcoming LVM3-M7 mission.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Gaganyaan is India's human spaceflight programme.
- IMAT-05 stands for Integrated Main Parachute Air Drop Test.
- The CE20 is an indigenous high-thrust cryogenic engine used in the upper stage of the LVM3.
- Exam Point of View: Remember the test locations — IMAT-05: Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh; CE20 hot test: Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu.
- The CE20 engine is associated with the LVM3-M7 mission.
2. NATIONAL NEWS – QUICK REVISION
| Topic | Important Point |
|---|---|
| Awiqli | World’s first once-weekly basal insulin; 52 injections/year |
| Clean Energy | 50.2% of electricity demand on 6 July 2026 |
| Kartavya Bhawan Complex | Central Vista renamed effective 12 July 2026 |
| AISHE 2023–24 | Higher education enrolment – 4.5 crore |
| PGI-D 2025–26 | 70 indicators, 600 points |
| PGI 2.0 | 73 indicators, 1,000 points |
| Navi Mumbai Airport | 42nd notified drug import port |
| BRICS Transport TWG | Nagpur |
| BRICS Theme | Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability |
| BRICS Share | 49.5% population, 40% GDP, 26% global trade |
3. TAMIL NADU CURRENT AFFAIRS – QUICK REVISION
Tamil Nadu-related current affairs are particularly important for TNPSC aspirants
State Election Commissioner Resignation Row
Issue: The Tamil Nadu Government asked State Election Commissioner B. Jothi Nirmalasamy to step down from her post.
Tenure: She became SEC in March 2024 for a five-year term ending May 2029; she also chairs the TN Delimitation Commission.
Constitutional Protection: Under Article 243K, the SEC is appointed by the Governor and can be removed only in the manner and on the grounds applicable to a High Court judge.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The State Election Commission is a constitutional, autonomous body responsible for conducting elections to local self-government bodies (panchayats, municipalities, corporations).
- Exam point of view: Article 243K governs the State Election Commissioner; do not confuse it with Article 324, which governs the (national) Election Commission of India.
Tamil Nadu's Education Enrolment Trends
Primary GER: Tamil Nadu recorded a 92% Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at the primary level per UDISE 2025–26; 95% at upper primary, 97% at secondary, and 85% at higher secondary.
Dropout: Tamil Nadu maintained a zero-dropout rate at primary and upper primary levels; secondary-level dropout was 6.2%.
Higher Education: Tamil Nadu recorded India’s highest Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education (AISHE 2023–24) at 52.3%, crossing 50% for the first time.
Scale: The State has 2,983 colleges (70 more than the previous year); girls recorded GER of 53.1% versus 51.6% for boys.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- PTR (Pupil-Teacher Ratio) of 22 in Tamil Nadu is better (lower) than the national average of 24 — a lower PTR generally indicates more individual attention per student.
Return of Ancient Chola-Era Temple Treasures from Australia
Repatriation: Australia will return three stolen antiquities — an 11th–12th century Chola-era bronze trident of Goddess Bhadrakali, a granite Nandi idol, and a basalt six-headed Karthikeya sculpture.
Mechanism: Returned under the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) after TN Idol Wing CID investigations confirmed illegal trafficking.
Origin: The Bhadrakali Trident is from Sri Kasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple, Kollumangudi (Tiruvarur); the Karthikeya sculpture is from Naganathaswamy Temple, Manambadi (Thanjavur).
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The Tamil Nadu Idol Wing CID is a specialised police unit that investigates theft and illegal trafficking of temple idols and antiquities.
Rename of Women's Free Bus Travel Scheme
Change: The scheme was renamed from “Magalir Vidiyal Payanam” to “Magalir Payanam.”
Coverage: It covers more than 7,300 ordinary-fare State Transport Corporation buses, including about 1,500 in Chennai.
Origin: The free travel scheme was launched in May 2021 and allows women free travel on ordinary-fare government buses.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The scheme provides free bus travel exclusively on ordinary (non-premium/non-AC) fare buses run by State Transport Corporations.
Tamil Nadu G.O. Transparency Issue
Finding: A majority of TN government departments have not uploaded recent Government Orders (G.O.s) after the new government assumed office; only 5 of 38 departments published May–June 2026 G.O.s online.
Notable Gap: Important G.O.s not uploaded include those on the Singappen Special Force and 100 additional free electricity units for eligible consumers.
Extreme Case: The Public (Elections) Department has shown no new orders since 2015.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Government Orders (G.O.s) are official written directives issued by state government departments to implement policy decisions.
Reconstitution of the State SC/ST Vigilance Committee
Structure: The Chief Minister chairs the reconstituted committee, with 59 members from Parliament and the State Legislative Assembly belonging to SCs/STs.
Function: The committee meets twice a year to review implementation of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.
Coordinator: The Secretary, Social Justice Department, serves as coordinator; it includes NCSC and NCST representatives.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 provides for prevention of, and special courts for the trial of, offences of atrocities against members of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Tamil Nadu's Declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR) 2026
Figure: Tamil Nadu’s TFR declined to 1.3 in 2026, below the replacement level of 2.1 needed for population stability (was 1.4 in 2025).
Ageing Population: 16% of Tamil Nadu’s people are above 60 years; this may rise to 20% in the next decade.
Workforce: Tamil Nadu has high women’s workforce participation — 41 out of every 100 working women in India are from the State.
| State/UT TFR (2024) | TFR |
|---|---|
| Delhi | 1.2 |
| Kerala | 1.3 |
| Tamil Nadu | 1.3 |
| West Bengal | 1.3 |
| Andhra Pradesh | 1.4 |
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- TFR (Total Fertility Rate) is the average number of children a woman is expected to have during her reproductive years; 2.1 is generally considered the replacement level.
- Exam point of view: Tamil Nadu's TFR (1.3) ties with Kerala and West Bengal in 2024 data as among the lowest in India, ahead only of Delhi (1.2).
Tamil Nadu Judicial Developments
By-poll Stay: The Madras High Court restrained the ECI from notifying byelections to five TN Assembly constituencies (Tiruchi East, Perundurai, Ambasamudram, Viralimalai, Karur) until 31 July 2026, since election petitions are pending.
Legal Basis: The plea cited Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and Supreme Court judgments of 1967, 2011 and 2018.
Cow Slaughter: The Supreme Court stayed the Madras High Court’s May 27, 2026 order banning cow and calf slaughter across Tamil Nadu.
State’s Position: Tamil Nadu argued that the TN Animal Preservation Act, 1958, allows slaughter of cows above 10 years certified unfit for work/breeding.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 requires filling a vacancy through a by-election within six months, subject to statutory exceptions.
- Exam point of view: Both developments involve the Madras High Court being overruled/restrained at a higher stage — one by its own timing constraint, the other by the Supreme Court.
950 Additional MBBS Seats for Tamil Nadu
Total: Tamil Nadu will add 950 MBBS seats for 2026–27, taking the State total to 13,999 seats across 78 medical colleges.
Rank: Tamil Nadu now has the third-highest number of MBBS seats in India, after Karnataka (15,395) and Uttar Pradesh (14,000).
Approval: The additional seats were approved by the National Medical Commission (NMC) across 13 medical colleges (3 government, 10 private); intake at Namakkal, Tiruppur and Tiruvallur government colleges rose from 100 to 150 seats each.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The National Medical Commission (NMC) regulates medical education and practice in India, replacing the earlier Medical Council of India.
Nalam TN Portal and Thukkachi Temple's UNESCO Recognition
Digital Healthcare: Tamil Nadu launched Nalam TN, an integrated digital public healthcare portal in Chennai, complementing the NalamAI WhatsApp chatbot for OP appointment booking.
Heritage Award: The 12th-century Abathsahayeswarar Temple at Thukkachi, Thanjavur district, received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award of Distinction (2024) for heritage conservation.
Architecture: The temple features rare Kara Kovil architecture, where the sanctuary is designed like a processional chariot; the ₹5-crore conservation project used drone surveys and anastylosis techniques.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Anastylosis is a restoration technique where a ruined structure is carefully dismantled and rebuilt using the original architectural pieces in their original positions.
Tamil Nadu Administrative Appointments and Transgender Reservation
Appointment: Layola Mani was appointed Chairman of the Tamil Nadu Textbook and Educational Services Corporation for a three-year term, succeeding Dindigul I. Leoni.
Extension: The Union Government approved a six-month service extension for TN Chief Secretary M. Sai Kumar, from 1 September 2026 to 28 February 2027.
Reservation Query: The Madras High Court asked the TN Government to clarify whether it will provide 1% or 2% horizontal reservation for transgender persons in civil services, giving time until 4 August 2026.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Horizontal reservation cuts across all social categories (unlike vertical/caste-based reservation) to ensure representation for groups such as women, persons with disabilities, and transgender persons.
- Exam point of view: Karnataka has already introduced 1% horizontal reservation for transgender persons — this is the benchmark the Madras HC referenced.
Operation Toofan and Pichavaram Mangroves' Economic Valuation
Security: Kerala and Tamil Nadu launched Operation Toofan, an anti-narcotics campaign focused on border surveillance, intelligence sharing, and joint action against drug smuggling networks.
Valuation: Tamil Nadu’s Pichavaram Mangrove Forest (Cuddalore district) was valued at ₹2,485.38 crore for its ecosystem services, including a ‘blue carbon’ value of about ₹1,612 crore.
Status: Pichavaram is one of India’s largest mangrove ecosystems and is recognised as a Ramsar Site under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (1971).
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- ‘Blue carbon’ refers to carbon captured and stored by coastal and marine ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrasses, and salt marshes.
4. INTERNATIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS – QUICK REVISION
PM Modi's Three-Nation Tour — Indonesia, Australia, New Zealand
Indonesia: PM Modi was conferred Indonesia’s highest civilian honour, the ‘Bintang Adipurna’; around 20 outcomes were announced covering defence, trade, education and maritime cooperation, including BrahMos missile collaboration.
New Zealand: PM Modi’s visit was the first by an Indian PM in 40 years, strengthening the India-NZ Strategic Partnership and the Act East and MAHASAGAR vision.
Tally: With the Indonesia honour, PM Modi’s tally of international honours rose to 35.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement of Security and Growth Across Regions) is India's regional vision for maritime security and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
India-Australia PACTS and Civil Nuclear Partnership
PACTS: India and Australia launched PACTS (Partnership on Cyber, Critical Technologies and Supply Chains), replacing the 2020 framework, with five pillars: supply chain resilience, critical technology, cybersecurity, digital resilience, and defence research.
Nuclear: At the 3rd India-Australia Annual Summit, both countries finalised an Administrative Arrangement under the 2014 Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement, enabling long-term uranium exports to India.
Support: Australia backed India’s membership in the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) is a group of nuclear supplier countries that seeks to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of materials usable for nuclear weapon development.
- Exam point of view: Do not confuse PACTS (cyber/tech, 2026) with the 2014 Civil Nuclear Cooperation Agreement (uranium supply) — they are separate agreements finalised/updated together in 2026.
ACITI Trilateral Technology Partnership
Launch: India, Australia and Canada launched ACITI (Australia-Canada-India Technology and Innovation Partnership), focusing on AI, green energy technologies, critical minerals, and resilient supply chains.
Origin: It was announced after a meeting of the three countries’ leaders at the G20 Summit in Johannesburg (2025).
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- ACITI aims to combine Canada's AI/clean-tech expertise, India's digital infrastructure, and Australia's resource and commercialisation capabilities.
Global Rankings: IMF's New Chief Economist and Jaipur's Happy City Ranking
IMF: Former Bank of England policymaker Silvana Tenreyro was appointed IMF Chief Economist and Economic Counsellor, succeeding Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas.
Happy City Index: Jaipur ranked 6th globally, becoming the only Indian city in the Top 10 of the Happy City Index 2026; London topped the index, followed by New York and Paris.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The IMF's Chief Economist leads the Fund's research department and oversees flagship publications such as the World Economic Outlook.
Hamas Dissolves Gaza Government
Transition: Hamas dissolved its Gaza government after nearly two decades, transferring authority to the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza (NCAG).
Basis: NCAG is a transitional technocratic body formed in January 2026 under UN Security Council Resolution 2803, as part of a US-backed peace plan.
Gap: The move does not explicitly mention disarmament of Hamas, and disagreements remain over security control.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- A technocratic body is an administration composed of appointed experts/officials (rather than elected politicians) tasked with managing specific functions such as civilian services.
India's UNSC 2028–29 Campaign and India-UK CETA
UNSC Bid: India launched its campaign for a non-permanent UNSC seat for 2028–29, with EAM Jaishankar unveiling the ‘SHANTI’ vision (Securing Holistic Advancement through Norms, Trust and Integrity).
CETA: The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into force, giving zero-duty access to nearly 99% of India’s exports to the UK.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- If elected for 2028–29, it would be India's 9th term as a non-permanent UNSC member (it has served eight terms so far).
India's Codex Leadership — Food and Spice Standards
Adoption: India led the adoption of seven Codex standards at the 49th Session of the Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC49) in Geneva, including two developed under India’s chairmanship: dried coriander seeds and fresh curry leaves.
Spice Standards: India secured adoption of three Codex standards for large cardamom, coriander, and vanilla, developed via the India-hosted Codex Committee on Spices and Culinary Herbs (CCSCH).
New Role: India was appointed Co-Chair of the Electronic Working Group (EWG) on risk analysis for new food products; a proposal for a cashew kernel standard was also approved.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The Codex Alimentarius Commission is a joint body of the FAO and WHO that sets international food safety and quality standards to facilitate fair trade.
European Missile Defence Coalition
Formation: Nine European countries and Ukraine formed the Integrated Anti-Ballistic Missile Coalition in Paris to develop a shared missile defence system.
Members: Founding members include Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, and the UK.
Focus: The coalition centres on Ukraine’s Freyja anti-ballistic system as a cost-effective alternative to the Patriot system.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Ballistic missile defence uses sensors, command networks, and interceptors to detect and destroy incoming ballistic missiles mid-flight.
WHO Global Cancer Report and Global Liveability Index 2026
WHO Report: The WHO released the Global Status Report on Cancer 2026, recommending seven actions under three shifts — better capabilities, better protections, better value — and calling for integration with Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Liveability Index: The EIU’s Global Liveability Index 2026 ranked 173 cities; Copenhagen topped the list; no Indian city ranked in the Top 100 — New Delhi (120th) was the best-placed Indian city.
| City | Global Rank (2026) |
|---|---|
| Copenhagen | 1 |
| New Delhi | 120 |
| Mumbai | 121 |
| Chennai | 123 |
| Bengaluru | 127 |
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The Global Liveability Index evaluates cities on five parameters: Stability, Culture & Environment, Healthcare, Infrastructure, and Education.
BRICS Women's Ministerial Meeting and BTUF Summit 2026
Women’s Meeting: The BRICS Women’s Ministerial Meeting concluded in Kochi, adopting the first-ever Joint Statement under the BRICS Women Track; India introduced the BRICS Digital Repository of Best Practices.
BTUF: The 15th BRICS Trade Union Forum (BTUF) Summit concluded in Hyderabad with the Hyderabad Declaration, focusing on workers’ rights, universal social security, and inclusive growth.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Both meetings were held under India's BRICS Chairship 2026, whose theme is “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability.”
5. ENVIRONMENT CURRENT AFFAIRS
IUCN Red List 2026 Update
Scale: The updated Red List assessed 175,909 species, of which 49,505 are threatened with extinction.
Molluscs: More than 50% of molluscs (snails, clams, mussels, octopus, squid) are threatened, mainly due to deep-sea mining.
Status Changes: The desert rain frog moved from ‘Near Threatened’ to ‘Vulnerable’; Australia’s numbat improved from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Near Threatened’ due to conservation efforts against invasive predators.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- IUCN Red List categories, from least to most severe: Least Concern, Near Threatened, Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered, Extinct in the Wild, Extinct.
Record-Low Global Biomass Burning Emissions
Finding: Global biomass burning emissions hit their lowest level on record for January–June, per Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service (CAMS) data (tracked since 2003).
Figures: Total carbon emissions from biomass burning stayed below 400 mega tonnes between 1 January and 30 June 2026; Africa was the largest emitter (~154 Mt), followed by Asia (~113 Mt).
Caveat: Late-June wildfires in Eurasia/North America and possible El Niño conditions may increase emissions later in 2026.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- CAMS uses the Global Fire Assimilation System (GFAS) dataset, which tracks active fires via satellite observations.
Centre of Excellence on Human-Wildlife Conflict
Launch: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the Centre of Excellence (CoE) on Human-Wildlife Conflict at WII-SACON, Coimbatore, and launched the National Human-Wildlife Conflict Portal.
Origin: The CoE was announced by the PM during the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
Report: The first edition of ‘Current Status of Human-Wildlife Conflict in India: An Overview’ was also released.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The NBWL is a statutory advisory body under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, chaired by the Prime Minister.
Mangrove Restoration Standards (BIS)
Draft Standard: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is preparing India’s first standard for mangrove ecosystem restoration, titled ‘Restoration of Mangrove Ecosystem — Guidelines.’
Committee: Formed by BIS committee EED 06: WG 02 in 2023 to develop a unified restoration standard.
Linked Scheme: Complements the MISHTI (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Incomes) programme.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Mangroves are salt-tolerant coastal forests found in intertidal zones, estuaries, deltas, and sheltered shorelines, providing coastal protection and carbon storage.
Rhino Census 2026 and India's Forest Wealth Valuation
Rhino Census: The rhino population in Dudhwa Tiger Reserve, Uttar Pradesh, increased to 53 after the fourth census (25–27 June 2026); the reintroduction programme began in 1984–85 with 7 rhinos from Assam and Nepal.
Forest Wealth: A study estimated India’s forests provide ecosystem services worth around $2.5 trillion per year, averaging $31,001 per hectare per year across 8.27 lakh sq km of forest and tree cover.
Value Types: Tropical dry deciduous forests contribute the highest total value, while tropical thorn forests have the highest per-hectare value.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The Indian Rhinoceros (Greater One-horned Rhinoceros) is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.
Grey Hornbill Returns to Gir and Rare Alpine Flower Rediscovered
Hornbill: The Indian Grey Hornbill returned to Gujarat’s Gir forests after over 60 years and has bred successfully for the fourth consecutive year, following a 2021 reintroduction of 40 hornbills.
Alpine Flower: The rare flower Cyananthus hookeri was rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh’s Chuna Valley (Tawang district, ~3,600m altitude) after 158 years — first recorded in Sikkim in 1867 by Sir Joseph Dalton Hooker.
Status: The Botanical Survey of India (BSI) recommended classifying Cyananthus hookeri as Endangered due to its limited wild population.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The Indian Grey Hornbill is classified as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List, unlike the newly rediscovered flower which BSI proposes as Endangered.
New Species Discoveries — Deep-Sea Fish and Vine Snake
Fish: CMFRI discovered a new deep-sea fish species, Cyttopsis indica (‘Indian Dory’), from the Arabian Sea off southern Kerala.
Snake: The rare Laudankia Vine Snake (Ahaetulla laudankia) was documented in the Ubeshwar wildlife area of Udaipur, Rajasthan, after nearly 30 years.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- CMFRI (Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute) conducts research on marine fisheries resources and biodiversity along India's coasts.
6. SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
Quantum Computing Advantage — BITS Pilani and IBM
Achievement: Scientists from BITS Pilani, in collaboration with IBM Quantum, developed a quantum algorithm demonstrating an advantage over classical computers.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- ‘Quantum advantage’ refers to a quantum computer solving a problem faster or more efficiently than the best known classical (traditional) computer algorithm.
Strain-Tunable Plasmon Resonance — JNCASR Study
Finding: Researchers from JNCASR, Bengaluru, showed for the first time that the optical properties of metals can be modified using mechanical strain.
Mechanism: Plasmon resonance — which controls a metal’s interaction with light — can be tuned by deforming the metal’s structure.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Plasmon resonance is the collective oscillation of electrons on a metal's surface in response to light, which determines how the metal absorbs/reflects light.
DRDO's Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket Test
Test: DRDO successfully flight-tested the Pinaka Long Range Guided Rocket (LRGR) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur, Odisha.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Pinaka is an indigenous multi-barrel rocket launcher system used by the Indian Army for long-range, high-volume fire support.
FDA Approves First PROTAC-Based Drug
Approval: The US FDA approved vepdegestrant, the world’s first therapy based on PROTAC (Proteolysis-Targeting Chimera) technology.
Use: Developed by Arvinas and Pfizer, it is an oral drug for ESR1-mutated, ER-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- PROTAC technology works by tagging disease-causing proteins for destruction by the cell's own protein-disposal system, rather than simply blocking the protein's activity.
Hidden Population of Black Holes Discovered
Discovery: Astronomers, including Indian researchers, discovered a hidden population of faint, weakly active supermassive black holes using the e-MERLIN radio array, studying 280 galaxies from the Palomar sample.
Confirmation: Findings were confirmed using X-ray data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- e-MERLIN (enhanced Multi-Element Remotely Linked Interferometer Network) is a UK-based radio telescope array used for high-resolution astronomical imaging.
ISRO's Gaganyaan Parachute Test and CE20 Engine Hot Test
Parachute Test: ISRO conducted the Integrated Main Parachute Air Drop Test (IMAT-05) for Gaganyaan G1 at the ADRDE drop zone, Sheopur, Madhya Pradesh.
Engine Test: ISRO completed the flight acceptance hot test of the indigenous CE20 Cryogenic Engine for the upcoming LVM3-M7 mission at IPRC, Mahendragiri.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- CE20 is an indigenous high-thrust cryogenic engine that powers the upper stage of LVM3, India's heaviest operational launch vehicle.
ONGC's Geothermal Well and CSIR-IICT's Green Refrigerant Technology
Geothermal: ONGC completed drilling its second geothermal well in Puga Valley, Ladakh.
Green Refrigerant: CSIR-IICT developed India’s first indigenous process to manufacture Hydrofluoroolefins (HFOs), producing HFO-1234yf with zero Ozone Depletion Potential and low Global Warming Potential.
Policy Link: India will phase down Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in four stages from 2032 to 2047 under the Kigali Amendment.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The Kigali Amendment to the Montreal Protocol requires countries to phase down HFCs, powerful greenhouse gases used in refrigeration and air conditioning.
India's Indigenous Surveillance Airships (AS-HAPS)
Programme: India launched the AS-HAPS (Airship-based High Altitude Pseudo Satellite) programme, a ₹15,000-crore initiative for indigenous long-endurance surveillance airships.
Capability: HAPS operate in the stratosphere (20–30 km altitude) and can remain airborne for months, carrying radars and surveillance payloads.
Framework: Developed under the Make-I procurement framework with Indian Air Force and private industry support.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) function like satellites for surveillance/communication purposes but operate from the stratosphere rather than orbit.
UN's First Scientific Report on Artificial Intelligence
Release: The UN released its first scientific assessment report on AI, prepared by a 40-member Independent International Scientific Panel co-chaired by Yoshua Bengio and Maria Ressa.
Warning: The report warned AI development is advancing faster than existing safety rules and governance systems.
Compute Divide: The US holds around 75% and China around 15% of global AI computing capacity, raising dependency risks for other countries.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The ‘AI compute divide’ refers to the unequal global distribution of computing hardware/infrastructure needed to train and run advanced AI models.
Drishti Satellite Failure and NASA's Swift Boost Mission
Drishti: Mission Drishti, the world’s first OptoSAR (Optical + SAR) satellite, lost communication due to a geomagnetic solar storm during its Launch and Early Orbit Phase.
Swift Boost: NASA launched the Swift Boost Mission, sending the privately built LINK spacecraft (Katalyst Space Technologies) to capture and raise the orbit of the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory (launched 2004) to ~600 km.
Note: This also marked the 45th and final flight of Northrop Grumman’s Pegasus XL rocket.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- SAR (Synthetic Aperture Radar) can capture images through clouds and at night, unlike purely optical imaging sensors.
China's Sea-Based Rocket Booster Recovery
Test: China successfully tested a sea-based reusable rocket booster recovery system using the Long March 10B rocket, recovering the booster on an offshore platform via a net-based landing system.
Significance: This marked China’s first successful retrieval of an orbital-class rocket booster; Long March 10B can carry over 16 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Reusable rocket technology aims to significantly reduce launch costs by recovering and reflying booster stages instead of discarding them.
7. ECONOMY CURRENT AFFAIRS
India's New Index of Services Production (ISP)
Launch: MoSPI released India’s first trial Index of Services Production (ISP), covering 19 sub-sectors with 2024–25 as the base year, representing ~60% of India’s services sector. Performance: In April 2026, 14 sub-sectors recorded double-digit growth.
Frequency: ISP will be released monthly, developed under the Technical Advisory Committee on ISP (TAC-ISP), using GST data as the primary source.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- ISP is India's first attempt to periodically quantify the formal services sector's output, similar to how the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) tracks manufacturing.
- Exam point of view: Note the base year (2024–25) and sub-sector count (19) — both are easy to mix up with other indices in the same news cycle.
RBI's Three New Surveys for Monetary Policy
Surveys: RBI launched the Inflation Expectations Survey of Households, the Rural Consumer Confidence Survey, and the Urban Consumer Confidence Survey.
Coverage: The Inflation survey covers 19 cities (3-month and 1-year outlook); the Rural survey covers 31 States/UTs; the Urban survey covers 19 major cities.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- These surveys collect household perceptions on prices, employment, income and spending to inform RBI's monetary policy decisions.
NABARD's Gramodyam Programme
Launch: NABARD launched Gramodyam on its 45th Foundation Day (13 July 2026) to promote rural entrepreneurship.
Target: A three-year pilot aiming to create around 4,000 rural entrepreneurs across India, using a digital-first hybrid model.
Partner: A joint initiative of NABARD and the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC).
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- NABARD (National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development) is India's apex development bank for agriculture and rural development financing.
World Intangible Investment Report 2026
Finding: The report, by WIPO and Luiss Business School, found India recorded the fastest growth in intangible investment among the world’s 15 largest economies.
Figure: India’s intangible investment reached $78.2 billion in 2023, growing by 7.9%, driven by software, R&D, IP and innovation.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- ‘Intangible investment’ refers to spending on non-physical assets such as software, R&D, patents, brands, and organisational capability — as opposed to tangible investment in machinery or buildings.
IMF's World Economic Outlook Update — July 2026
Title: “Global Economy in Crosscurrents of War and Technology.”
Growth Forecast: Global growth projected at 3.0% in 2026 and 3.4% in 2027; global inflation forecast revised to 4.7% due to energy price pressures.
India: India’s GDP growth for 2026–27 is projected at around 6.4%, supported by strong domestic demand — among the fastest-growing major economies.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- The World Economic Outlook (WEO) is the IMF's flagship biannual (with periodic updates) report on global economic trends and forecasts.
8. STATE NEWS – QUICK REVISION
Uttarakhand Becomes India's 6th Fully Literate State
Milestone: Uttarakhand achieved 98%+ literacy under the Ullas – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, becoming India’s 6th fully literate state.
Predecessors: Mizoram, Goa, Tripura, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim were declared fully literate earlier.
UT First: Ladakh became the first Union Territory to receive full literacy certification.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Under the programme, a state attains full literacy status after achieving at least 95% adult literacy among people above 15 years.
Thorium Deposits Discovered in Karnataka
Location: GSI identified thorium-bearing mineral deposits across ~700 acres in Koothanur, Gundlupet taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka.
Mineral Link: The deposits are associated with monazite, a phosphate mineral containing thorium and rare earth elements.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- Thorium (atomic number 90) is a radioactive metal that can be converted into Uranium-233, making it a potential future nuclear fuel source.
New GI Tags — Jodhpuri Mojari and Jharkhand's Four Products
Rajasthan: Jodhpur’s nearly 200-year-old Mojari craft (handcrafted footwear by the Jinagar community) received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
Jharkhand: Four products received GI tags — Bhagaiya Silk (Godda district), Kuchai Silk (Seraikela-Kharsawan), Munda Jewellery, and Jharkhand Bamboo Craft.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- A GI (Geographical Indication) tag protects products with a unique geographical origin and characteristics, under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.
Karnataka's Plan for India's First Government AI University
Announcement: Karnataka announced plans to establish India’s first government-driven Artificial Intelligence (AI) University in Bengaluru.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- A dedicated AI university would focus specifically on AI research, applications and skilled workforce development, distinct from AI departments within general universities.
Ahmedabad's Guinness Record and Mizoram's Natural History Museum
Record: Ahmedabad, Gujarat, created a Guinness World Record by planting 3.61 lakh saplings in one hour on 12 July 2026 at Bhadaj.
Museum: The Natural History Museum, Mizoram (established 2022, Mizoram University), was notified as India’s 21st Designated Repository under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002.
TNPSC Quick Fact:
- A Designated Repository under the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 preserves authenticated biological specimens and supports species identification and biodiversity research.
9. IMPORTANT DAYS – JULY 10–15, 2026
| Date | Important Day | Theme / Significance |
|---|---|---|
| July 10 | National Fish Farmer’s Day | Marks the 1957 induced-breeding success by Dr. Hiralal Chaudhuri and Dr. Alikunhi; also NFDB Foundation Day |
| July 11 | World Population Day | “Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people – today and for the future.” |
| July 11 | World Horse Day | Recognises horses’ contribution to agriculture, transport, sport and therapy |
| July 11 | International Day of Reflection and Commemoration of the 1995 Genocide in Srebrenica | Established by UNGA resolution, 23 May 2024 |
| July 12 | International Day of Hope | “Building Collective Resilience, Teaching Hope, and Using It to Advance Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).” |
| July 12 | International Malala Day | Honours Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education |
| July 12 | International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms | “From Source to Impact: Protecting Land and Life from Sand and Dust Storms.” |
| July 14 | Bastille Day | National Day of France, commemorating the 1789 storming of the Bastille |
| July 15 | World Plastic Surgery Day | “Changing lives with Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery.” |
10. PERSONS & AWARDS
V.T. Valluvan
V.T. Valluvan, a natural farmer from Pollachi, Coimbatore, secured third place in the UN FAO ‘Soil Hero Guardian’ contest for raising soil organic carbon to 1.56% via natural farming.
S. Janaki
S. Janaki, the ‘Nightingale of South India’, passed away at 88 in Mysuru — over 20,000 songs in 20+ languages, 4 National Film Awards, and the Padma Bhushan (2023).
Poomani
Poomani (Manickavasagam), Sahitya Akademi Award-winning Tamil writer known for the karisal region novels, passed away in Chennai at 79; his novel ‘Vekkai’ inspired the film ‘Asuran’.
R. Vairamuthu
R. Vairamuthu was conferred the 60th Jnanpith Award (2025) — the third Tamil literary figure to receive it, after Akilan (1975) and Jayakanthan (2002).
Department of Telecommunications
The Department of Telecommunications won the WSIS Prize 2026 (Action Line C6) for its ‘Samriddh Gram’ rural digital initiative built on BharatNet.
FIU-IND
India’s Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) secured the runner-up position at the Best Egmont Case Award (BECA) 2026 in Baku, Azerbaijan, for a cyber-fraud and money-laundering investigation.
Mayur – Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026
Mayur was unveiled as the official mascot for the 22nd Commonwealth Table Tennis Championships 2026, to be held at Thyagaraj Stadium, Delhi (27 July – 2 August 2026).
Wimbledon 2026
Jannik Sinner (Italy) won the men’s singles (second consecutive title); Linda Nosková (Czechia) won her maiden women’s singles Grand Slam title.
11. TNPSC QUICK REVISION – 15 ONE-LINERS
- Awiqli – World's first once-weekly basal insulin.
- Awiqli – 52 injections per year.
- Clean energy met – 50.2% of India's electricity demand on 6 July 2026.
- Kartavya Bhawan Complex – Central Vista, New Delhi.
- AISHE 2023–24 higher education enrolment – 4.5 crore.
- PGI-D – 70 indicators and 600 points.
- PGI 2.0 – 73 indicators and 1,000 points.
- Navi Mumbai Airport – 42nd notified drug import port.
- 3rd BRICS Transport Working Group – Nagpur.
- Tamil Nadu higher education GER – 52.3%.
- Tamil Nadu TFR – 1.3 in 2026.
- Pichavaram ecosystem services value – ₹2,485.38 crore.
- AS-HAPS programme – ₹15,000 crore.
- Uttarakhand – India's 6th fully literate state.
- Uttarakhand literacy – 98%+.
TNPSC Weekly Current Affairs PDF – July 12–18, 2026
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TNPSC WEEKLY CURRENT AFFAIRS QUIZ
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Test your preparation with our TNPSC Weekly Current Affairs Practice Quiz based on the important current affairs covered during the week
