TNPSC Current Affairs July 23, 2026: 23 Events for Group 1/2/4
📰 Daily Current Affairs
July 23, 2026 (Thursday)
Comprehensive compilation for TNPSC Group 1, 2, 2A & 4 | 23 Important Topics Covered
Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for July 23, 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.
📅 Weekly revision hub: For exam-focused consolidation and MCQs for this week,
open the TNPSC weekly current affairs compilation →
📌 Read in Tamil: தமிழில் படிக்க இங்கே கிளிக் செய்யவும்
📝 Total Topics: 21 important events covered
📚 Exam Relevance: TNPSC Group 1, 2, 2A, 4 | SSC | UPSC Prelims
📰 Sources: The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB
Table of Contents
- 🏛️ National Politics & Government
- 1. India Becomes 123rd Member of WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
- 2. Bharat Tex 2026 Held at Bharat
- 3. GoI Raises Windfall Tax on Diesel, ATF Exports
- 4. Export Duty on Petrol:
- 5. Union Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates ‘
- 6. India Approves First Dengue Vaccine ‘QDENGA’ After DCGI Clearance
- 7. USA Delivered 21st MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter to Indian Navy, Strengthening India-USA Defence Partnership
- 🌍 International Affairs
- 8. IAF Participates in 45th Edition of Exercise ‘Pitch Black 2026’ in Australia
- 9. IAF Fleet Deployment:
- 🔬 Science & Technology
- 10. NASA Webb Telescope Discovered New Exoplanet
- 11. The USA Air Force’s YFQ-44A Fury drone successfully fired its first live AIM-120 AMRAAM
- 💰 Economy & Banking
- 12. DoLR& RBI Innovation Hub Explore Digital Land-Credit Infrastructure for Rural LendingIn July 2026, t
- 13. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
- 14. NSA Ajit Doval Selected for Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026
- 15. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
- 16. Andy Burnham Takes Charge as UK’s New Prime Minister
- 17. Senegal’s President Bassirou Faye Elected As New Chairman Of ECOWAS
- 🏏 Sports
- 18. FIFA World Cup 2026:Prize Money, Retirements & Records– Part IIIn July 2026, the International Feder
- 19. Pakistan to Host 14th
- 📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous
- 20. England Football Legend Joseph Kevin Keegan Passed Away
- 21. International Moon Day 2026 – July 20
- 📝 Practice Questions (MCQs)
- Q1. In which year did the following take place? — “Pakistan to Host 14thEdition ofSAFGamesin March 2027In July _____,Pakistanwill host the14thedition of the South Asian Federation(SAF) Gamesfrom March ”
- Q2. In which year did the following take place? — “n Day _____ – July 20International Moon Day (IMD)is observed every year on20 Julyto mark theApollo 11 Moon landing(1969), when Neil Armstrong and Buzz”
- Q3. In which year did the following take place? — “in the45th EditionofExercise Pitch Black _____, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at RAAF Base Darwin innorthern Australia, which starts”
- Q4. In which year did the following take place? — “NGA (TAK-003),after the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted market authorisation toTakeda BiopharmaceuticalsIndia Private Limited under th”
- Q5. In which year did the following take place? — “July _____, India became a party to the World Trade Organization(WTO)Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) by depositing itsInstrument of Acceptance,”
🏛️ National Politics & Government
1. India Becomes 123rd Member of WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
- What happened: India Becomes 123rd Member of WTO Fisheries Subsidies AgreementOn 20 July 2026, India became a party to the World Trade Organization(WTO)Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) by depositing itsInstrument of Acceptance, becoming the123rd WTO memberto join the Agreement. About the WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement:Background:Adopted at the12th Ministerial Conference(MC12), Geneva, Switzerland (June 2022), the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) is the first WTO agreement with an environmental sustainability objective and entered into force on 15 September 2025.Purpose:The WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies aims to promote sustainable fisheries and marine resource conservation by prohibiting subsidies linked toillegal, unreported and unregulated(IUU) fishing, overfishing of depleted stocks, and harmful fishing practices.Benefit:The Agreement supportstraditional and small-scale fishersby regulating harmful subsidies to large industrial fishing fleets, safeguarding their livelihoods and policy space, and enhances India’s credibility as a responsible seafood exporter.
- Key points: The instrument was handed over by Rajesh Agrawal (Secretary), Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry Commerce (MoC&I), to WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.
2. Bharat Tex 2026 Held at Bharat
- What happened: Bharat Tex 2026 Held at BharatMandapamin New Delhi from July 14 -17, 2026In July 2026, Union Minister Giriraj Singh,Ministry of Textiles (MoT), inaugurated the3rd edition of Bharat Tex,India’s flagship global textile event, held from 14 to 17 July 2026 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Delhi. AboutBharat Tex 2026:CITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2026:On the sidelines of Bharat Tex 2026, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry(CITI)hosted theCITI Textile Sustainability Awards 2026,recognising the organisations, institutions and individuals for their exceptional contributions across seven focus areas.Key Outcomes:CITIforged a collaboration with the European Apparel and Textile Confederation(EURATEX)to establish a bilateral industry platform i.e.
- Key details: the European Union(EU)-India Textile and Apparel Dialogue (TAD),to support the effective implementation of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA) for the textile and apparel sector. Over 30MoUswere signed by the participating states, including Andhra Pradesh (AP) (worth Rs 4,100 crore);Karnataka (Rs 2,821 crore); Bihar (Rs 1,476 crore) and Maharashtra (Rs 1,095 crore).
- Key points: Union Minister of State (MoS) Pabitra Margherita, MoT; Neelam Shami Rao, Secretary of MoT; among others, were present at the event.; The Bharat Tex 2026 concluded successfully with the generation of business enquiries worth aboutUSD2.8 billionand the textile investment commitmentsworth Rs 14,300croreacross various states.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.
3. GoI Raises Windfall Tax on Diesel, ATF Exports
- What happened: GoI Raises Windfall Tax on Diesel, ATF Exports; Lowered Tax on Petrol ExportsIn July 2026, the Government of India(GoI)increased thewindfall gains taxon diesel and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) exports, while reducing the tax on petrol exports. Key Details:Windfall Tax:It is a government-imposed tax on specific industries that have experienced sudden high profits due to external events such as geopolitical crises.
- Key details: The key objective is to redirect these profits towards societal benefits.Export Duty on Diesel & ATF:As per the official notification, the Special Additional Excise Duty (SAED) on diesel exports has been increased from Rs 8.5/litre (l)to Rs 15.5/l.
- Key points: As per the Ministry of Finance (MoF) notification, the revised tax rates came into effect from16 July 2026.; Similarly, the SAED on ATF exports have also been increased from Rs 7.5/l toRs 14.5/l.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.
4. Export Duty on Petrol:
- What happened: Export Duty on Petrol:The GoI has reduced the export duty on petrol from the existing Rs 4/l to Rs 2.5/l.Background:Amid escalating tensions in West Asia, the GoI imposed an export duty on diesel and ATF on 27 March 2026 and has been revising the rates every fortnight.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.
5. Union Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates ‘
- What happened: Union Minister Amit Shah Inaugurates ‘Shabdalok’, India’s First Immersive Language Museum in Kolkata, WBIn July 2026, Union MinisterAmit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Cooperation, inaugurated the first phase of‘Shabdalok(The Museum of Word)’, India’s first immersive language museum, developed at a cost ofRs 41 crore in the Belvedere House within the National Library campus, Kolkata, West Bengal (WB). AboutShabdalok:Heritage:Developed by theNational Libraryunder the Ministry of Culture , the first phase of ‘Shabdalok’ showcases the diversity of Indian languages, scripts, and literary traditions.Linguistics:The museum features nine galleries showcasing nearly 380 Indian languages, including 121 languages recorded in the Census 2011 and several historical languages that are no longer spoken.Interaction:The museum combines immersive technologies like digital displays, holograms, motion sensors, audio-visual (AV) installations, augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), interactive exhibits, audio-visual presentations, and artefacts to present a comprehensive story of India’s spoken and written heritage.National Library:India’s largest by collection volume, was established in 1953 under the Change of Name Act, 1948, evolving from the Imperial Library (1891) and Calcutta Public Library (1836).
- Key points: The first phase features 2,282 square metres( sq. m.) of exhibition space on the first floor, with later phases adding ground-floor galleries, a Souvenir Shop, Café, and façade projection mapping.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.
6. India Approves First Dengue Vaccine ‘QDENGA’ After DCGI Clearance
- What happened: India Approves First Dengue Vaccine ‘QDENGA’ After DCGI ClearanceIn July 2026,Indiaapproved itsfirst dengue vaccine, QDENGA (TAK-003),after the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted market authorisation toTakeda BiopharmaceuticalsIndia Private Limited under the New Drugs and Clinical Trials (NDCT) Rules, 2019. AboutQDENGA:Vaccine:It is a live-attenuated tetravalent dengue vaccine designed to provide protection against all four dengue virus serotypes (DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4).
- Key details: Prequalification:QDENGA has received World Health Organization (WHO)prequalification, confirming its compliance with global standards of quality, safety and efficacy, and making it eligible for procurement by international agencies such as UNICEF and the Pan American Health Organization(PAHO).Clinical Trials:The approval of QDENGA in India was supported by Takeda’s global clinical program, including 19 Phase I–III trials involving over 28,000 participants, the Phase III TIDES (DEN-301) trial with more than 20,000 participants across 8 countries, and data from the DEN-302 Phase III trial conducted among Indian participants.Dengue Burden:Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral disease affecting over 125 countries worldwide and remains a major public health challenge. India contributes nearly one-third of the global dengue burden.
- Key points: QDENGA has been approved for the prevention of dengue in individuals aged4 to 60 years.; It is administered as two subcutaneous doses of 0.5 millilitres (mL) given three months apart.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.
7. USA Delivered 21st MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter to Indian Navy, Strengthening India-USA Defence Partnership
- What happened: USA Delivered 21st MH-60R Seahawk Helicopter to Indian Navy, Strengthening India-USA Defence PartnershipIn July 2026, The United Statesof America(USA)delivered21stMH-60R Seahawkmulti-role maritime helicopter, manufactured byLockheed Martin Corporation, to theIndian Navy(IN) at Kochi, Kerala, reinforcing the India–USA defence partnership and enhancing India’s maritime security capabilities. Highlights of MH-60R Seahawk Helicopters:Procurement:India signed a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) agreement with the USA in February 2020 to procure 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters at a cost ofUSD 2.6 billionto replace the ageing Sea King fleet, strengthen naval aviation capabilities, with 21 have been delivered, two more are scheduled for delivery, and the final helicopter remains pending.Capabilities:The “Romeo” MH-60R Seahawk is an all-weather, multi-role shipborne maritime helicopter as a maritime variant of the Black Hawk, capable of Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW), Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW), surveillance, intelligence gathering, search and rescue, medical evacuation, vertical replenishment and shipborne operations.
- Key points: IN will further enhance its operational readiness, strengthen its anti-submarine warfare capabilities, and improve interoperability with the USA Navy in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.
🌍 International Affairs
8. IAF Participates in 45th Edition of Exercise ‘Pitch Black 2026’ in Australia
- What happened: IAF Participates in 45th Edition of Exercise ‘Pitch Black 2026’ in AustraliaIn July 2026, the Indian Air Force (IAF) participated in the45th EditionofExercise Pitch Black 2026, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at RAAF Base Darwin innorthern Australia, which starts from 20 July 2026 and continues till 7 August 2026.
- Key points: Exercise Pitch Black is the RAAF’s premierBiennial(every 2 years) multinational air combat exercise, bringing together air forces from20 nations, including the United States of America (USA), France, Germany, Spain, Japan, and South Korea.; 44th Edition, Exercise Pitch Black 2024 was held from 12 July to 02 August 2024 hosted by the RAAF at RAAF Base Darwin in northern Australia
- Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.
9. IAF Fleet Deployment:
- What happened: IAF Fleet Deployment:Participation:IAF deployed an integrated frontline combat and support team of over 120 Air Warriors, including pilots, flight test engineers, technicians, air traffic controllers, and subject-matter experts.
- Key points: Rafale Jets (4):Multi-role combat aircraft for air superiority, strike, and precision engagement missions; C-17 Globemaster III (2):Strategic airlift of troops, equipment, and logistics; IL-78 MKI:Air-to-Air Refueling aircraft to extend combat endurance and operational reach
- Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.
🔬 Science & Technology
10. NASA Webb Telescope Discovered New Exoplanet
- What happened: NASA Webb Telescope Discovered New Exoplanet‘Beta Pictoris d’In July 2026, Astronomers using National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA)’s James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), discovered a new giant exoplanet called ‘Beta Pictoris d’located 63 light-years from Earth and about 23 million years old. About Beta Pictoris d:Variants:The new exoplanet orbits the nearby star Beta Pictoris, which was already known to be home of Beta Pictoris b, one of the 1st exoplanets ever directly imaged, and Beta Pictoris c.Discovery:Unlike its previous two variants (Beta Pictoris b and c), JWST’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) detected the unique chemical fingerprint of the exoplanet’s atmosphere.Size and Orbit:The newly discovered exoplanet is estimated to be at leasttwo-timesthe mass of Jupiter, making it the smallest of the three known giant planets in the Beta Pictoris system.
- Key points: With this latest discovery, Beta Pictoris has become only the second known planetary system with at least three directly imaged planets.; Further, the exoplanet orbits nearly 30 Astronomical Units (AU) from its star, which places it at a distance comparable to planet Neptune.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.
11. The USA Air Force’s YFQ-44A Fury drone successfully fired its first live AIM-120 AMRAAM
- What happened: The USA Air Force’s YFQ-44A Fury drone successfully fired its first live AIM-120 AMRAAMIn July 2026, the United States of America(USA)Air Force’s YFQ-44A Fury drone,successfully fired its first live Air Intercept Missile(AIM)-120Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile (AMRAAM) at a digital target at Edwards Air Force Base over the Mojave desert in California, the USA. Key Details:Team:The live-fire test of the aircraft was conducted in coordination with the 412th Test Wing’s Air Dominance Combined Test Force, which included active-duty military, government civilians, and government contractors, who have expertise in validating the models required for a safe live-fire execution.Developed by:YFQ-44A Fury drone, an advanced, semi-automatic Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), was developed by Anduril IndustriesKey Functions:The aircraft operates with crewed fighters like: the F-35 and F-22, facilitating additional sensors, weapons, and operational support during missions.
- Key points: This marked the 1st live missile launch by a US Collaborative Combat Aircraft.; Also, CCA platforms are designed to perform multiple tasks other than missile carriage, like: electronic warfare, reconnaissance, and other battlefield operations.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.
💰 Economy & Banking
12. DoLR& RBI Innovation Hub Explore Digital Land-Credit Infrastructure for Rural LendingIn July 2026, t
- What happened: DoLR& RBI Innovation Hub Explore Digital Land-Credit Infrastructure for Rural LendingIn July 2026, the Department of Land Resources(DoLR)under the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) held a high-level meeting with the Reserve Bank of India Innovation Hub(RBIH)to explore the convergence of Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for land governance and digital lending. Key Highlights:Chair:The meeting was chaired byNarendra Bhooshan, Secretary, DoLR, who interacted withSahil Kini, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), RBIH, along with senior officials from both organisations.Focus:The discussions focused on integrating the DoLR’s digital land governance initiatives with the Unified Lending Interface (ULI) to enable secure, seamless, and consent-based credit delivery, particularly for farmers and rural citizens.Key Areas of Collaboration:The discussions covered secure access to authenticated digital land records, faster digital delivery of Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) and agricultural loans, improved loan processing, mortgage risk management, and greater financial inclusion through digital land-based credit.
- Key details: About ULI:Developed by the RBI as a DPI for lending, ULI enables faster and seamless credit delivery through data interoperability with consent-based sharing of information between borrowers, data providers, and lenders.
- Key points: The initiative aims to create a secure, interoperable land-credit ecosystem to improve institutional credit access for farmers and rural citizens.; The meeting also emphasized common data standards, API interoperability, wider adoption of Unique Land Parcel Identification Number(ULPIN)(Bhu-Aadhaar),and stronger collaboration between land governance and financial sector stakeholders.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.
13. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS
- What happened: AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.
14. NSA Ajit Doval Selected for Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026
- What happened: NSA Ajit Doval Selected for Lokmanya Tilak National Award 2026In July 2026, Dr. Rohit Tilak, President of the Lokmanya Tilak Trust announced the selection of National Security Advisor(NSA) Ajit Dovalfor Lokmanya Tilak National Award for 2026.
- Key details: About Lokmanya Tilak National Award:Ceremony:Union Minister Amit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will present the award onAugust 01, 2026in Pune (Maharashtra) on the occasion of the106thdeath anniversary of a freedom fighter Bal Gangadhar Tilak, widely known as Lokmany Tilak.Background:The award was instituted in 1983, to recognise the individuals for their outstanding contributions to the country’s progress and development. Presented:The award is presented annually on August 01, by Lokmanya Tilak Trust.Prize:The recipient of the award receives a memento, a citation and a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh.Previous Winners:Since its inception, the award has been presented to several distinguished personalities such as Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, former PMs of the country (Dr. Manmohan Singh and Atal Bihari Vajpayee) and former President of India Dr.
- Key points: He will receive the award in recognition of his outstanding contribution to strengthening the country’s national security, counter-terrorism, and border security.; Socialist Leader SM Joshi was the 1st recipient of Lokmanya Tilak National Award; During his career, he play a major role in several national security initiatives such as: Operation Black Thunder, Balakot air-strike.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.
15. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS
- What happened: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.
16. Andy Burnham Takes Charge as UK’s New Prime Minister
- What happened: Andy Burnham Takes Charge as UK’s New Prime MinisterIn July 2026,Andy Burnhambecame the59th Prime Minister of the United Kingdom(UK)afterKeirStarmerresigned from the post. He was invited by King Charles III at Buckingham Palace to form a new government in a traditional ceremony known as “kissing hands.” About Andy Burnham:Early Life:Born in Aintree, Lancashire, Andy Burnham joined the Labour Party at the age of 15 and worked in journalism before becoming a parliamentary researcher.Political Career:Elected as Member of Parliament (MP) for Leigh in 2001, Andy Burnham served as Chief Secretary to the Treasury, Culture Secretary, and Health Secretary under Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, and later held key Shadow Cabinet roles.Mayor of Greater Manchester (2017–2026):He became the first Mayor of Greater Manchester in 2017 and launched the Bee Network, bringing local bus services under public control.
- Key details: He was recognised as the “King of the North” for advocating Northern England’s interests.
- Key points: He secured nearly55% of the votein the leadership election, defeatingReform UK’s Robert Kenyonby a margin ofmore than 9,000 votes, with a record turnout of59%.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.
17. Senegal’s President Bassirou Faye Elected As New Chairman Of ECOWAS
- What happened: Senegal’s President Bassirou Faye Elected As New Chairman Of ECOWASIn July 2026,Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, President of Senegal, was elected as the new Chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) during the69th Ordinary Sessionof the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government held in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Key Details of Appointment:Other Appointments: Biram Diopwas appointed as President of the ECOWAS Commission, succeeding Dr Omar Touray for the 2026 to 2030 term.Role:Faye will focus on revitalizing regional cooperation, sustaining diplomatic dialogue with breakaway states, and implementing reforms to strengthen governance, accountability, and youth participation.
- Key points: He will serve a mandatory one-year term and succeed President Julius Maada Bio of Sierra Leone, who has served as Chairman since June 2025.; Senegal assumes the ECOWAS top post for the first time since the bloc’s establishment in 1975.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.
🏏 Sports
18. FIFA World Cup 2026:Prize Money, Retirements & Records– Part IIIn July 2026, the International Feder
- What happened: FIFA World Cup 2026:Prize Money, Retirements & Records– Part IIIn July 2026, the International Federation of Association Football(FIFA)announced a recordUSD 871 millionprize pool for theFIFA World Cup 2026, making it the most lucrative tournament in football history. Highlights:Retirements:FIFA World Cup 2026 marked the end of an era as Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal), Neymar Jr.
- Key details: (Brazil), Manuel Neuer (Germany), and Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico) confirmed that it had been their final appearance on football’s biggest stage.Records:Spanish teenager Lamine Yamal enjoyed one of the greatest breakthrough tournaments in football history by becoming the first teenager to play in both the Union of European Football Associations(UEFA) European Championshipfinal andFIFA World Cupfinal.
- Key points: Following Spain’s victory over Argentina in the final, the Royal Spanish Football Federation(RFEF)receivedUSD 51 millionas champions, while runners-up Argentina Football Association(AFA)earnedUSD 34 millionand England received USD 30 million for finishing third.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.
19. Pakistan to Host 14th
- What happened: Pakistan to Host 14thEdition ofSAFGamesin March 2027In July 2026,Pakistanwill host the14thedition of the South Asian Federation(SAF) Gamesfrom March 23rd to 31st, 2027. This will be the3rd timethat Pakistan will host games after 1989 and 2004.AboutSAF Games2027:Host Cities:Pakistan’s 3 cities namely, Islamabad, Faisalabad and Lahore, will host the SAF Games 2027.Participation:The multi sports event is expected to witness the participation of 3500 athletes from the 8 South Asian countries.About SAF Games:SAF Games, established on November 26, 1981 in New Delhi, Delhi, aimed to promote friendship and goodwill among the member countries of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka).
- Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.
📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous
20. England Football Legend Joseph Kevin Keegan Passed Away
- What happened: England Football Legend Joseph Kevin Keegan Passed AwayOn 20 July 2026, England football legendJosephKevin Keegan, former England footballer and manager who played for Scunthorpe United, Liverpool, Hamburger SV, Southampton, and Newcastle United,passed awayat the age of75in the United Kingdom (UK). He was born in Armthorpe, Doncaster, Yorkshire, England on 14 February 1951.
- Key details: About Joseph Kevin Keegan:Overview:He was one of England’s greatest footballers, renowned for his leadership, dribbling ability, goalscoring record, distinguished playing and managerial careers, and lasting legacy as “King Kev” and “Mighty Mouse,” transforming Newcastle United into Premier League title challengersInternational:He later won the Bundesliga and consecutive Ballon d’Or awards with Hamburger SV, while earning 63 England caps, scoring 21 goals, and captaining the national team 31 times.
- Key points: Kevin Keegan remains the only English player to have won theBallon d’Or twice, earning football’s most prestigious individual award in consecutive years in 1978 and 1979.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.
21. International Moon Day 2026 – July 20
- What happened: International Moon Day 2026 – July 20International Moon Day (IMD)is observed every year on20 Julyto mark theApollo 11 Moon landing(1969), when Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to walk on the Moon. The day also promotes space exploration, scientific learning, and the peaceful and sustainable use of lunar resources.
- Key details: Background:Proposal for IMD:During the 65th session of the United Nations Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space(COPUOS), the Moon Village Association (MVA) submitted a proposal through the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) to designate 20 July as International Moon Day (IMD).UN Recognition:On 9 December2021, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/76/76, officially proclaiming 20 July as International Moon Day under the agenda “International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.”First Observance:The first International Moon Day was officially observed on20 July 2022.2026 Event:The IMD 2026 main event was held on 20 July 2026 at the Maloka Museo Interactivo inBogotá, Colombia. *******.
- Key points: 20 July 2026 marks the5thIMD and the 57th anniversary of the Apollo 11 Moon landing.
- Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.
📝 Practice Questions (MCQs)
Test your knowledge with these questions based on today’s current affairs. Each question has one correct answer — click to reveal it after you decide.
Q1. In which year did the following take place? — “Pakistan to Host 14thEdition ofSAFGamesin March 2027In July _____,Pakistanwill host the14thedition of the South Asian Federation(SAF) Gamesfrom March ”
(a) 2026
(b) 2032
(c) 2018
(d) 2022
Click to see Answer
Answer: (a) 2026
Explanation: The correct year is 2026. Source: Pakistan to Host 14th
Q2. In which year did the following take place? — “n Day _____ – July 20International Moon Day (IMD)is observed every year on20 Julyto mark theApollo 11 Moon landing(1969), when Neil Armstrong and Buzz”
(a) 2018
(b) 2026
(c) 2032
(d) 2022
Click to see Answer
Answer: (b) 2026
Explanation: The correct year is 2026. Source: International Moon Day 2026 – July 20
Q3. In which year did the following take place? — “in the45th EditionofExercise Pitch Black _____, hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) at RAAF Base Darwin innorthern Australia, which starts”
(a) 2022
(b) 2026
(c) 2018
(d) 2032
Click to see Answer
Answer: (b) 2026
Explanation: The correct year is 2026. Source: IAF Participates in 45th Edition of Exercise ‘Pitch Black 2026’ in Australia
Q4. In which year did the following take place? — “NGA (TAK-003),after the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) granted market authorisation toTakeda BiopharmaceuticalsIndia Private Limited under th”
(a) 2030
(b) 2015
(c) 2019
(d) 2025
Click to see Answer
Answer: (c) 2019
Explanation: The correct year is 2019. Source: India Approves First Dengue Vaccine ‘QDENGA’ After DCGI Clearance
Q5. In which year did the following take place? — “July _____, India became a party to the World Trade Organization(WTO)Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies (AFS) by depositing itsInstrument of Acceptance,”
(a) 2018
(b) 2022
(c) 2026
(d) 2032
Click to see Answer
Answer: (c) 2026
Explanation: The correct year is 2026. Source: India Becomes 123rd Member of WTO Fisheries Subsidies Agreement
🔄 தமிழில் படிக்க / Read in Tamil
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