Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for August 25, 2026.
This comprehensive compilation covers all important events across national politics,
international relations, science & technology, economy, sports, and more.
Sourced from The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB, and other reputed media.
Perfect for TNPSC Group 1, Group 2, Group 2A, and Group 4 exam preparation.

📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்

🏛️ National Politics & Government

1. MeitY Notifies Rs 62,500 Cr MPMS Scheme to Boost Handset Production in India

In August 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), notified the Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) with a budgetary outlay of Rs 62,500 crore (Cr) aimed at scaling up handset production in India.

Key points:

• About Mobile Phone Manufacturing Scheme (MPMS) Scheme:.
• Objective: The scheme aims to enhance global competitiveness, deepen Domestic Value Addition (DVA), and strengthen manufacturing capabilities in mobile phone production.
• Time Period: The tenure of the scheme is 5 years, from Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27) to FY31.
• Two Segments: The scheme comprises two Target Segments (TS) with differentiated incentives: TS1, aimed at incentivising mobile phone manufacturing, offers incentives ranging from 2.25% to 5%, while TS2, aimed at supporting Indian mobile phone brands, provides a 5% incentive, along with an additional 3% incentive for Indian design and Research & Development (R&D).

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. DoT under India’s BRICS Chairship Hosted BRICS ICT Track in Pune, Maharashtra

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) under the Ministry of Communications, organised the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) ICT Track (Information and Communication Technologies Track) in Pune, Maharashtra from August 17 to 21 2026, under the theme “Innovate, Cooperate and Transform (ICT) for a Resilient Future”.

Key points:

• Highlights of BRICS ICT Track: Key Events: The BRICS ICT Track featured three key events: 7th Meeting of the BRICS WG for Cooperation in ICTs; Digital BRICS Forum and Expo; and 12th BRICS Communications Ministers Meeting.
• The five-day-long event brought together Communications Ministers, senior government officials and ICT experts from BRICS member countries to bolster cooperation in ICT and advance a secure, inclusive and resilient digital future.
• India and Brazil signed an MoU on the sidelines of the BRICS ICT Track Meeting to strengthen digital and telecom cooperation in Artificial Intelligence (AI), 5G/6G, Open Radio Access Network (Open RAN), Internet of Things (IoT), and Direct-to-Device (D2D) connectivity.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. 2nd BRICS Tourism Working Group (TWG) Meeting: Jaipur, Rajasthan,

ngs: India hosted the 2nd BRICS Tourism Working Group (TWG) Meeting in Jaipur, Rajasthan, on August 19, 2026, followed by the Tourism Ministers’ Meeting (TMM), where BRICS countries adopted the Jaipur Declaration and Ministers’ Communique to promote cooperation in AI, sustainable tourism, skill development and seamless travel.

Key points:

• BRICS Youth Council Meeting, Youth Summit: The Department of Youth Affairs (DoYA), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS), hosted the BRICS Youth Council Meeting and the BRICS Youth Summit held from August 19 to 20, 2026 in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
• Also, DoYA hosted the BRICS Youth Ministers’ Meeting, chaired by the Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, MoYA, on August 22, 2026 in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP).
• The meeting adopted a Joint Statement and launched ‘Friends of MY Bharat’, a digital initiative connecting Indian-origin youth abroad with nation-building, volunteering and youth programmes in India.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting:

Under its 2026 BRICS Chairship, India hosted the 12th BRICS Environment Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi, Delhi, chaired by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Key points:

• The meeting concluded with the adoption of a Joint Ministerial Statement (JMS) and the launch of four compendiums.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

5. DRDO’s NSTL Signs Two LAToT to Boost Indigenous Defence Manufacturing

In August 2026, the Naval Science & Technological Laboratory (NSTL), a laboratory of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh (AP), signed two Licensing Agreements for Transfer of Technology (LAToT) to strengthen indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities.

Key points:

• About LAToT: Overview: LAToT is a formal agreement through which the DRDO transfers developed technologies to Indian industries for manufacturing, fabrication, installation, and commissioning.
• Dignitaries: The agreements were signed in the presence of Vice Admiral Sanjay Bhalla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief (FOC-in-C), Eastern Naval Command (ENC), Dr.
• Balamuralikrishnan, Director General (DG) (Naval & Strategic Systems), DRDO and Dr.
• Abraham Varughese, Director, NSTL.
• Significance: The initiative bridges the gap between DRDO laboratory development and industrial production by supporting indigenous defence manufacturing, private sector participation, and the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision in the defence sector.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

6. Union MoS Anupriya Patel Addresses IIMA Healthcare Summit 2026 on Advancing AI in Healthcare

In August 2026, Union Minister of State (MoS), Anupriya Patel, Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) and Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers (MoCF) addressed the 3rd Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Ahmedabad (IIMA) Healthcare Summit 2026 on “Advancing AI in Healthcare” at Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Key points:

• Highlights of the Healthcare Summit: AI Healthcare: AI supports drug discovery, personalised treatment, disease surveillance, and clinical decisions through safe and human-centred adoption.
• Centres of Excellence (CoE) for AI in healthcare have been established at All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) Chandigarh, and AIIMS Rishikesh.
• Pharma Growth: The Rs 5,000 crore Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma-MedTech Sector (PRIP) Scheme promotes pharma research, while the Rs 10,000 crore Biopharma SHAKTI Mission, National Biopharma Mission, and IndiaAI Mission strengthen biologics, biosimilars, clinical capabilities, and AI-based innovation.
• Digital Health: The Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) has developed a digital health ecosystem with over 96 crore Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) Identification (IDs) and 1,000 crore health records.
• AI-enabled Sanjeevani has benefited more than 20 crore patients.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

7. IA’s Territorial Army Launches Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 National-Level Hackathon

In August 2026, the Territorial Army, in collaboration with CyberPeace, launched Terrier Cyber Quest 2026 (TCQ 3.0), a national-level hackathon to develop innovative solutions for defence, cybersecurity, and information-domain challenges.

Key points:

• Objective: TCQ 3.0 promotes indigenous solutions in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, threat mitigation, and digital awareness through participation from academia, industry, government organisations, research institutions, and the Armed Forces.
• Tracks: The hackathon includes Bug Hunting, AI Kavach, and Creators Challenge tracks, focusing on vulnerability detection, AI-based defence solutions, and awareness against digital threats.
• Schedule: Registrations close on August 31, 2026, followed by online shortlisting from September 1–10,2026, the Grand Finale in New Delhi from October 6–8,2026 and the award ceremony on October 9, 2026.
• Drone Unit: The IA also raised its first Baaz Battalion, equipped with advanced drones, in Punjab under the Vajra Corps (11 Corps) to strengthen aerial surveillance and battlefield capabilities.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

8. NBSS&LUP Develops India’s First Soil Texture Map for Precision Agriculture

In August 2026, the National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land Use Planning (NBSS&LUP), a premier institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), announced the India’s first Soil Texture Map during the 50th Foundation Day in Nagpur, Maharashtra.

Key points:

• About India’s 1st Soil Texture Map: Soil Texture: It refers to the proportion of sand, silt and clay in soil, which determines its water-holding capacity, drainage, aeration and suitability for different crops.
• Technology: The map was prepared using field studies, remote sensing, satellite imagery, and Artificial Intelligence (AI) by integrating soil and geospatial data.
• Applications: The map supports crop selection, irrigation planning, soil classification, and precision agriculture by helping farmers make location-specific decisions.
• About NBSS&LUP: Established in 1976 and headquartered in Nagpur, Maharashtra, is currently headed by Dr.
• The map, released in July 2026, provides hectare-level soil information to support crop planning, irrigation management, and land-use decisions.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

9. NSDC Launches Nationwide Cloud & AI Skilling Initiative with AWS

On August 23 2026, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE), and Cultus Education launched a nationwide ‘Cloud and Artificial Intelligence (AI) Skilling Initiative’ in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).

Key points:

• Objective: The initiative aims to provide foundational AI and cloud literacy to 1.5 lakh learners through AWS digital training content and deliver job-ready cloud training to 10,000 participants through the AWS re/Start programme.
• Framework: The programme includes instructor-led training, hands-on labs, real-world scenario-based learning and professional mentorship across areas such as cloud infrastructure, networking, security, programming, relational databases and AI fundamentals.
• Implementation: The programme will be delivered 100% online through Cultus Education, the NSDC-selected delivery partner, enabling learners from Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities to access training across all States and Union Territories (UTs) with priority given to underserved communities.
• Support: Participants will receive an AWS Certification along with interview opportunities and industry connections, with the programme concluding through a National Hackathon.
• About NSDC: Established on 31 July 2008, NSDC is a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) company headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

10. Government Appoints Three Part-Time Non-Official Directors to RBI Central Board

In August 2026, the Government of India (GoI) appointed Annie George Mathew, Janmejaya Kumar Sinha, and Syed Akbaruddin as part-time, non-official directors on the Central Board of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for a 4-year term.

Key points:

• About the Appointee: Annie George Mathew: Officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service, she is a full-time member of the Sixteenth Finance Commission of India (16thFC) in New Delhi, Delhi and a former Special Secretary (Expenditure), with over 34 years of experience in public finance, government audit and accounts, procurement, and financial management.
• Janmejaya Kumar Sinha: Chairman of Boston Consulting Group (BCG) India, with experience in economics, financial-sector reforms, and economic transformation.
• Syed Akbaruddin: Former Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations (UN), with expertise in international diplomacy and foreign affairs.
• About RBI: The RBI was established on 1 April 1935, is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and is currently headed by Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
• The appointments were approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on 22 August 2026 based on the proposal of the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance (MoF) under Section 8(1)(c) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

11. Maharashtra Govt Signs MoU with Germany’s Hesse for Investment, Innovation & Skills

In August 2026, the Government of Maharashtra and the German State of Hesse signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in areas including investment, industry, innovation, employment and skill development.

Key points:

• The MoU was signed by Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister (CM), Maharashtra and Boris Rhein, Minister-President of Hesse, at Sahyadri Guest House, Mumbai, Maharashtra.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

12. Maharashtra–Hesse Partnership Framework:

Implementation: A Joint Working Group (JWG) will be established within 90 days of signing the MoU to finalise the implementation framework, identify cooperation opportunities, support investors and businesses, and facilitate the exchange of business delegations.

Key points:

• Focus Areas: The partnership will promote industrial cooperation and business partnerships across key sectors including pharmaceuticals, healthcare, engineering, automobile industry, financial services, and logistics.
• Collaboration: The agreement will enable collaboration in Information Technology (IT), digital economy, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and Research & Development (R&D) to encourage technological advancement and innovation-driven growth.
• Capacity Building: The partnership will strengthen employment opportunities and workforce capabilities through initiatives focused on skill development, cross-border mobility, and talent exchange programmes.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

🌍 International Affairs

13. Five African Countries End Polio Type 2 Outbreaks: WHO

In August 2026, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa confirmed the closure of poliovirus type 2 outbreaks in Burundi, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Republic of the Congo, and Uganda after Independent Outbreak Response Assessment (OBRA) conducted between January and June 2026.

Key points:

• Highlights of Polio Outbreak Closure: Assessment: The Independent Outbreak Response Assessment (OBRA) reviewed surveillance systems, laboratory evidence, epidemiological data, population immunity, and vaccination campaign performance.
• Measures: The countries strengthened routine immunisation, rapid detection, community participation, and targeted vaccination campaigns to interrupt transmission.
• Milestones: Burundi responded to the March 2023 outbreak; Republic of Congo recorded its last detection in December 2023; Uganda enhanced response after detection in May 2024; Ghana improved laboratory capacity; and Guinea-Bissau reported no detection since July 2021.
• The development reflects progress in Africa’s polio eradication through stronger immunisation, surveillance, laboratory systems, and community interventions.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

🔬 Science & Technology

14. Sophie Adenot Becomes First French Woman to Walk in Space

In August 2026, European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Sophie Adenot, from France, carried out a mission to repair a communications system on the International Space Station (ISS), becoming the 1st French woman to walk in space.

Key points:

• Highlights of the Mission: Task: Under the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)’s Extravehicular Activity (EVA) mission which was 6 hours and 23 minutes (mins) long, Adenot along with American astronaut Anil Menon were tasked to replace a Space-to-Ground Antenna (SGANT) that connects the ISS with mission control in Houston, Texas, the United States of America (USA).
• Previous Milestone: Earlier in February 2026, Sophie Adenot became the 2nd French woman to travel into space after Claudie Haignere, who flew missions in 1996 and 2001 but did not perform any EVAs.
• Also, she became the 2nd European woman to walk in space after Samantha Cristoforetti, from Italy (in 2022).

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

💰 Economy & Banking

15. VinFast India Sign MoU with Federal Bank to Strengthen Dealer Financing Ecosystem

In August 2026, VinFast India, the Indian subsidiary of Vietnamese electric vehicle manufacturer Vingroup JSC, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Federal Bank Limited, a leading private sector bank in India, to provide customized inventory financing solutions for its Authorised Dealer (AD) network.

Key points:

• Key Details of MoU: Key Role: Under this newly formed collaboration, Federal Bank will provide customized inventory financing solutions that enable dealers of VinFast to optimize working capital, maintain vehicle inventory, and respond efficiently to customers’ demand.
• Objective: By integrating the bank’s financial strength and nationwide reach with VinFast’s extensive dealer network, the partnership seeks to build a stronger, more resilient retail foundation to support the company’s long-term growth in one of world’s fastest-growing electric (e)-vehicle markets.
• About Federal Bank: Founded in 1931, Federal Bank Limited, offers retail and corporate banking services, with its headquarters in Aluva, Kerala.
• The agreement was signed by Tapan Ghosh, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of VinFast Asia; and Kumkum Jain, Additional Senior Vice President (SVP) of Federal Bank Limited.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

16. PNB & Indian Army Sign MoU to Offer ‘PNB LUXURA Metal’ & ‘PNB Parakram’ Credit Cards for Army Personnel

In August 2026, Punjab National Bank (PNB), India’s 2nd largest Public Sector Bank(PSB), signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Army (IA) to offer two credit cards ‘PNB LUXURA Metal Credit Card’ and ‘PNB Parakram Credit Card’, designed for IA officers and Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and other ranks personnel, respectively.

Key points:

• Key Details of Two Credit Cards: Key Benefits: These new credit cards will offer a wide range of lifestyle and financial benefits like: 3% cashback on purchases at Canteen Stores Department (CSD) outlets, complimentary domestic and international airport lounge access, zero forex markup, and Buy One Get One (BOGO) movie ticket offers.
• Eco-friendly Design: The design of the PNB Parakram Credit card is eco-friendly in nature as it is made from bio-degradable material.
• About PNB: It is India’s first Swadeshi Bank, which commenced operations on April 12, 1895, in Lahore (then British India), and is currently headquartered in New Delhi, Delhi.
• The MoU was signed by Major General VK Purohit, IA and Deepak Kumar, General Manager (GM), Credit Card Division of PNB, in New Delhi, Delhi.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

🏏 Sports

17. 2026 BWF World Championships: France’s Alex Lanier & South Korea’s An Se-young Win Men’s & Women’s Singles Champions

The 30th edition of the Badminton World Federation (BWF) World Championships(2026), was held from 17 to 23 August 2026 at the Indira Gandhi Arena in New Delhi, Delhi, where Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand won the bronze medal in women’s doubles, securing India’s first medal in the category since 2011.

Key points:

• About 2026 BWF World Championships: Host: India hosted the championships for the second time, after previously staging them in Hyderabad, Telangana, in 2009, marking a 17-year gap.
• Organiser: The event was organised by the Badminton World Federation (BWF) in collaboration with the Badminton Association of India (BAI), the host association.
• Events: The competition featured top players from around the world across five disciplines: Men’s Singles, Women’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, Women’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.
• Alex Lanier of France became the first French player to win a world singles title by defeating Kodai Naraoka of Japan 21–11, 21–11, while An Se-young of South Korea won her second women’s singles world title by defeating Akane Yamaguchi of Japan 21–17, 21–14.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.

18. Indian Chess Grandmaster Pranesh M Wins Kanizsa Open 2026 in Hungary

In August 2026, 19-year-old Indian Grandmaster (GM) Pranesh M from Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu (TN), won the Kanizsa Open 2026 Group A title in Nagykanizsa, Hungary, after defeating Germany’s Vadim Petrovskiy in the ninth and final round.

Key points:

• He finished the tournament with 7 points from 9 rounds.
• About Pranesh M: Origin – Pranesh M progressed through the titles of International Chess Federation (FIDE) Master (FM) in 2019, International Master (IM) in 2020, and GM in January 2023 at age 16.
• Achievements: Following his GM title, he secured joint first at the Silver Lake Open in Serbia (2023) and Tsaghkadzor Open in Armenia (2023), and won the Challengers section of the Chennai Grand Masters in 2025 with 6.5/9.
• Ranking: Pranesh’s FIDE rating rose from 2633 in March 2026 to 2673 by August 2026, placing him 44th in the world rankings.
• Pranesh finished jointly on 7/9 with Or Bronstein of Israel, Andrei Volokitin of Ukraine and Karthik Venkataraman of India, but secured the title on a superior tiebreak.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.

19. East Bengal FC Clinched 135th Durand Cup 2026 Football Title by Defeating Mohun Bagan Super Giant

In August 2026, East Bengal Football Club (FC) won the 135th Durand Cup 2026 football tournament by defeating arch-rivals Mohun Bagan Super Giant 4–1 in the final at Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan, Kolkata, West Bengal (WB), with Edmund Lalrindika scoring a first-half hat-trick.

Key points:

• About Durand Cup 2026: Match: East Bengal dominated the first half with four goals, including an opener by Bipin Singh assisted by Mohammed Rashid, while Manvir Singh scored the lone goal for Mohun Bagan before half-time.
• Performance: Lalrindika’s hat-trick and Rashid’s midfield control highlighted East Bengal’s clinical finishing despite Mohun Bagan enjoying more possession and chances.
• Organiser: The tournament is regarded as Asia’s oldest football competition and is organised by the Durand Football Tournament Society (DFTS) in cooperation with the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and the Indian Armed Forces.
• Significance: The win avenged their 2023 final defeat to Mohun Bagan, levelled both Kolkata giants at 17 titles each in the 135-year history of the tournament, and reinforced the city’s legacy as a major football hub under coach Antonio López Habas.
• The victory marked their first title since 2004, ending a 22-year wait and equalling the all-time record of 17 titles in Asia’s oldest football competition.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.

🏆 Awards & Honours

20. Odia Poet Ashutosh Parida Selected for 47th Sarala Puraskar for ‘Bishwas De Pruthwi’

In August 2026, renowned Odia poet, essayist, and former scientist, Ashutosh Parida was selected for the 47th Sarala Puraskar for his poetry collection ‘Bishwas De Pruthwi(2024)’.

Key points:

• The award will be presented at a ceremony scheduled to be held in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, on October 25, 2026.
• About Sarala Puraskar Award: Award: The Sarala Puraskar is a premier annual literary award in Odisha, India, recognising outstanding contributions to Odia literature.
• Instituted in 1980, the award promotes and honours significant literary works by Odia writers.
• Institution: The award is presented by the Indian Metals Public Charitable Trust (IMPaCT), the social wing of Indian Metals & Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA).
• Prize: The Sarala Puraskar Award carries a Rs 7 lakh cash prize, citation, and copper plaque.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: Awards & Honours. Frequently asked in TNPSC prelims.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

21. National Space Day 2026 – August 23

National Space Day (NSpD) is observed across India on 23 August to commemorate the historic success of the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO’s) Chandrayaan-3 mission and the successful deployment of the Pragyan Rover.

Key points:

• Background: Declaration: In August 2023, the Government of India (GoI) announced that 23rd August would be observed annually as NSpD to commemorate the success of the Chandrayaan-3 Mission.
• Announcement: The declaration was made by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi during his meeting with the ISRO at the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking, and Command Network (ISTRAC) Mission Control Facility (MCF) in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• First Observance: NSpD was celebrated for the first time in 2024.
• 2026 Theme: “Towards Viksit Bharat: Innovating, Collaborating and Aspiring to Global Space Leadership”.

📌 Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.