Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for July 08, 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. MoC launches Key Initiatives at the 5th Foundation Day, Plans to establish a Cooperative Life Insurance Company

• What happened: MoC launches Key Initiatives at the 5th Foundation Day, Plans to establish a Cooperative Life Insurance CompanyIn July 2026, Union MinisterAmit Shah, Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the Ministry of Cooperation (MoC) launched several key initiatives at the5th Foundation DayCeremony of MoC held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, Delhi. Programme HighlightsKey Members: The event was attended by Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying (MoFAH&D), Bhajan Lal Sharma, Chief Minister (CM) of Rajasthan, Krishan Pal Gurjar, Minister of State for Cooperation (MoSC) and few other senior officers of various ministries.Vision: The ceremony was held in line with the vision of “Sahakar Se Samriddhi” of the Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi.
• Key points: The Government of India (GoI) plans to establish aCooperative Life Insurance Companyas an effort to expand the cooperative sector.; This vision of GoI aims to strengthen the cooperative movement across the country.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. WB Government Announces Rs 313 Crore Special Package for Tea Garden Workers

• What happened: WB Government Announces Rs 313 Crore Special Package for Tea Garden Workersunder PMCSPYIn July 2026, SuvendhuAdhikari, Chief Minister (CM) of West Bengal (WB) announcedRs 313 crorespecial assistance fortea garden workersin the state, under the Pradhan Mantri Cha Shramik Protsahan Yojana(PMCSPY). Key Details: Component-wise Allocation: Rs 177 crorehas been earmarked for Cha Shramik Shiksha Yojana (CSSY) component to boost educational infrastructure and quality interventions for families of tea workers.
• Key details: Implementing Agency: The North Bengal Development Department(NBDD) will serve as the nodal implementing agency for the effective execution of the scheme across the state.About PMCSPY: It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), designed specifically to enhance the living standards of tea garden workers and their families in two major tea-producing states (Assam and WB). *******.
• Key points: The announcement was made following a state-level committee approved the implementation plan for PMCSPY.; Rs 72 croreallocated for Cha Shramik Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (CSSSY) component to upgrade health facilities and ensure robust medical services in tea garden areas.; Rs 63 crorefor Cha Shramik Aashray Yojana (CSAY) component to construct 321 resting sheds (88 in hilly areas and 233 in the plains), equipped with modern amenities such as off-grid solar power, clean drinking water, among others.; It was initially launched for Financial Years 2024–25 (FY25) and 2025–26 (FY26) with an outlay of Rs.1,000 crore. Its implementation has been extended for one year, until FY27.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

🌍 International Affairs

3. Overview of FMSitharaman’svisit to France from July 1-4, 2026Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministr

• What happened: Overview of FMSitharaman’svisit to France from July 1-4, 2026Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministry of Finance (MoF) undertook a 4-day visit toFrancefrom July 01 to July 04, 2026. Key Highlights of Visit to France: France Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD): Union Finance Minister (FM) Sitharaman, along withRolandLescure, France’s Minister of Economy, Finance, and Industrial and Energy Sovereignty, co-chaired the France Economic and Financial Dialogue (EFD) held atAix-en Provencein Southern France.
• Key details: ITER Visit: She also visited the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) project at Cadarache, aimed at reinforcing scientific and technological cooperation between the two countries.
• Key points: During her visit, she held a series of high-level engagements aimed to strengthen the Indian-France Strategic Partnership, bolster economic cooperation and promote investment.; Critical Minerals: Both countries have agreed to boost cooperation on critical minerals as part of a wider conversation on securing resilient supply chains.; Future Roadmap: FMs of both countries committed to use the EFD as a key platform to address economic, financial, technological, investment and trade issues between India and France; and also agreed to explore the possibility of conducting the next edition of dialogue in 2027.; The ITER project is considered to be one of the largest international scientific collaborations on nuclear fusion energy in the world, which involves over 30 partner countries, including India and France.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

4. Business Engagements:

• What happened: Business Engagements: She participated in a series of high-level roundtables with select global Chief executives officers (CEOs) and business executives.
• Key points: In addition, she participated in a panel discussion titled “How to Promote the Growth of a New Middle Class” at Les Rencontres Économiques d’Aix-en-Provence, one of Europe’s premier annual forums focused on global economic and public policy issues, organised by Le Cercle des économistes.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

5. Other Key Engagements:

• What happened: Other Key Engagements: She also held one-on-one meeting heads of France’s leading banks and companies such as: Yann Gerardin, Deputy CEO (BNP Paribas Group); and Sebastian Bougon, President (Flying Whales) and Renaud Muselier, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur (PACA) Region.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

6. GCS’s Global Passport Index 2026: Sweden Tops the Rankings; India Ranked 125th

• What happened: GCS’s Global Passport Index 2026: Sweden Tops the Rankings; India Ranked 125thIn July 2026, the residency and citizenship advisory firm Global Citizen Solutions(GCS) released the5thannual edition of theGlobal Passport Index(GPI). As per the index, India has been ranked at125thspot among 197 countries, with a composite score of45.1 (highest in 5 years), dropping one place (124th) from its overall ranking compared to 2025 and jumping by just two places (127th) over the last 5 years. GPI 2026: Categories: GPI ranks the passports across three main categories, including Enhanced Mobility (50%); Investment (25%); and Quality of Live Index (25%) Other Top 10 countries: Other top 10 countries featured on the index are: Denmark (6th), Ireland (7th), United Kingdom (8th), Norway (9th) and Singapore (10th). India’s Performance: The GPI 2026 showed category-wise India’s performance: ranked at136thspot in enhanced mobility index (down from one place over 2025); 118th spot in the Quality of Live index (jumping by 11 places); 94th in the investment index (moving up by 3 places compared to 2025).
• Key points: Swedentopped the rankings as the world’s strongest passport with an overall score of 96.05. It is followed by Switzerland, Finland, Germany and the Netherlands, securing 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th positions, respectively.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

🔬 Science & Technology

7. China Launched New Marine Satellite “HY-2E” For Enhanced Marine Monitoring

• What happened: China Launched New Marine Satellite “HY-2E” For Enhanced Marine MonitoringIn July 2026, Chinalaunched its latest oceanographic satellite named“Haiyang (HY)-2E”aboard aLong March 4B rocketfrom the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China. About HY-2E: Replaces Previous Variant: The HY-2E satellite is designed to replace theHY-2Bsatellite (launched in 2018).
• Key details: Developed by: The newly launched marine satellite was developed by the China Academy of Space Technology (CAST). Key Components: The satellite features four microwave remote sensing payloads namely:
• Key points: This marked China’s47thspace mission in 2026 and654thflight of the Long March rocket series.; Also, it will work alongside the existing operational HY-2 series satellites (HY-2C and HY-2D) for monitoring the global marine dynamic environment.; Radar altimeter will be used to acquire data about sea surface height;; Microwave radiometer will be used to record the surface temperature of the sea;
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

💰 Economy & Banking

8. POWERGRID Secures JPY 80 Billion Green Loan from JBIC for RE Transmission Project

• What happened: POWERGRID Secures JPY 80 Billion Green Loan from JBIC for RE Transmission ProjectIn July 2026, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited(POWERGRID), a ‘Maharatna’ Central Public Sector Enterprise(CPSE) under the Ministry of Power (MoP), secured a Japanese Yen(JPY) 80 billion green loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation(JBIC) for a Renewable Energy(RE) transmission project. About JBIC Green Loan: Background: The loan agreement, signed in June 2026, will finance the Khavda–Nagpur High Voltage Direct Current(HVDC) transmission projectto evacuate RE from the Khavda Renewable Energy Park, Gujarat, to Nagpur, Maharashtra.Funding: JBIC will provide48 billion JPY, while the remaining amount will be co-financed by Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation (SMBC), Kansai Mirai Bank, Kiraboshi Bank, and The Joyo Bank, with JBIC guaranteeing the co-financed portion.Target: The project supports India’s goal of achieving 500 Gigawatt (GW) of RE capacity by 2030 and expanding the transmission network to 191,000 circuit kilometres (ckm) by 2032.
• Key points: The financing is amongIndia’s largest green fundingarrangements for the power transmission sector and supports the integration of renewable energy into the national grid.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

9. AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS

• What happened: AWARDS & RECOGNITIONS Global Biofuel Alliance Selected 15 Fellows Including 2Indians for GBCFProgrammeIn July, India-led Global Biofuel Alliance(GBA) selected15early-career researchers from leading universities and research institutions globally, for its flagship Global Biofuel Champion Fellowship(GBCF) programme, launched during a high-level hybrid convening held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, Delhi. About GBCFProggramme: Overview: It is a flagship initiative of the GBA, supporting outstanding early-career researchers via research grants, mentorship and global engagement. e about biofuels into practical solutions for the clean energy transition.Monetary Assistance: Under the GBCF programme, each selected fellow will receive a research grant ofUSD 15,000.Indian Representation: The selected cohort of GBCF includes two researchers from India: RuchiAgrawalfrom The Energy and Resources Institute(TERI)(Delhi) andAbhishekSahoofrom the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi(IIT-D)(Delhi).
• Key points: These selected global fellows will act asGBA Ambassadorsover thenext two years, to accelerate sustainable bioenergy solutions and global clean energy partnerships.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

10. Nepal’s Jestha Varna Mahavihar receives 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award; restored with India’s grant assistance

• What happened: Nepal’s Jestha Varna Mahavihar receives 2025 UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Award; restored with India’s grant assistanceIn July 2026, 17th-centuryJestha Varna Mahavihar, a historic Buddhist monastery inLalitpur, Nepalreceived the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation(UNESCO) Asia-Pacific Heritage Award2025for its outstanding conservation and restoration following the2015Gorkhaearthquake damage.
• Key points: The Indian Embassy in Kathmandu handed over the Award of Merit to the Jestha Varna Mahavihar.; During a ceremony in Lalitpur, Nepal, Jaco Du Toit, UNESCO Representative in Nepal, presented a metal plaque and official certificate toJestha Varna Mahavihar User Committee, in the presence of Chiri Babu Maharjan, Mayor of Lalitpur Metropolitan City, and Rakesh Pandey, Deputy Chief of Mission, Embassy of India, Kathmandu.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

11. Jestha Varna Mahavihara:

• What happened: Jestha Varna Mahavihara: Recognition: It was recognised by UNESCO for its exemplarycommunity-centred approach, combining modern seismic retrofitting with the preservation of Newari woodcarvings and architecture, while sustaining the living heritage and practices of the Newar Buddhist community.Overview: Also known asJyaba Bahi or Chakrabahil, it is a historic site located just 300 meters from the UNESCO-listed Patan Durbar Square in Lalitpur.Grant Assistance: The conservation of Jestha Varna Mahavihar was funded through the Government of India’s (GoI’s) post-earthquake cultural heritage reconstruction grant in Nepal, in Nepalese rupees (NPR 13.78 crore).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

12. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

• What happened: APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

13. Govt Appoints New Chiefs for BPR&D, NCRB and SVPNPA

• What happened: Govt Appoints New Chiefs for BPR&D, NCRB and SVPNPAIn July 2026, the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC), chaired by Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi, approved the appointments of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officers for three key police and law enforcement institutions based on proposal submitted by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Key Appointments: Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D): Alok Kumar Mittal, a 1993-batch IPS officer of Haryana cadre, as Director General (DG). He will serve from the date of assuming charge until June 30, 2029 (his superannuation), or until further orders, whichever comes first.National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB): Amit Garg, a 1993-batch IPS officer of Andhra Pradesh (AP) Cadre, as Director.
• Key details: He will serve as NCRB Director until October 31, 2027, or until further orders. He succeeds Alok Ranjan, a 1991-batch IPS officer.Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (SVPNPA): Sujeet Pandey, a 1994-batch IPS officer of Uttar Pradesh (UP) cadre, as Director. He will serve until July 31, 2028, the date of his retirement, or until further orders.
• Key points: The Supervisory Board will have 12 members, expandable to 15 in exceptional cases, including eight shareholder-affiliated directors and four independent directors to meet the one-third independence requirement.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

14. ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS

• What happened: ACQUISITIONS & MERGERS.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

15. TPG, GIC & ICICI Bank to Acquire

• What happened: TPG, GIC & ICICI Bank to Acquire Aseem Infrastructure Finance from NIIFIn July 2026, Global alternative asset management firm TPG Inc., signed definitive agreements to acquire a100% stakein Aseem Infrastructure Finance Limited(AIFL) from the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund(NIIF) and other shareholders for an undisclosed amount. Highlights of the Acquisition: Deal: TPG and GIC will acquire Aseem Infrastructure Finance, while ICICI Bank Limited will hold up to 5% equity stake after the transaction.Objective: The acquisition aims to strengthen climate financing and sustainable infrastructure development in India through TPG Rise Climate’s Global South Initiative, launched in partnership with ALTÉRRA to scale climate solutions across emerging markets.About AIFL: Established in 2020, Aseem Infrastructure Finance is a Mumbai, Maharashtra-based sustainable infrastructure debt financier incubated by the NIIF.
• Key points: The acquisition will be made through ‘TPG Rise Climate’, TPG’s dedicated climate investing platform, in partnership withGovernment of Singapore Investment Corporation(GIC)  andICICIBankLimited.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

🏏 Sports

16. India Secures 41 Medals at the U15, U20 Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 in Pattaya, Thailand

• What happened: India Secures 41 Medals at the U15, U20 Asian Wrestling Championships 2026 in Pattaya, ThailandThe United World Wrestling(UWW) organised the Under-15(U15) & U20 Asian Wrestling Championships 2026inPattaya, Thailandfrom June 27 to July 5, 2026. About U15, U20 Asian Wrestling Championships 2026: Disciplines: The tournament followed standard International Wrestling Regulations (IWR) and featured Men’s Freestyle (FS), Greco-Roman (GR), and Women’s Wrestling (WW). India’s Standings:
• Key points: Indian wrestlers secured20 medalsin theU20category, including 4 gold, 7 silver, and 9 bronze medals, and21 medalsin theU15category, comprising 8 gold, 6 silver, and 7 bronze medals.; Under-15: Uzbekistan topped the standings with 171 points, followed by Kazakhstan with 167 points and India with 150 points. India won thebronzeteam trophy.; Under-20: India finished second in Women’s Wrestling (WW) with 184 points, behind China (189) and ahead of Japan (142). It also secured third place in Men’s Freestyle (FS) with 152 points, behind Kazakhstan (170) and Iran (164).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Sports Current Affairs. Awards and achievements of sportspersons.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

17. Padma Shri Awardee & ‘Bridge Man of India’ Girish Bharadwaj Passed Away

• What happened: Padma Shri Awardee & ‘Bridge Man of India’ Girish Bharadwaj Passed AwayOn 7 July 2026, Social workerGirish Bharadwaj, famously known as the‘Bridge Man of India’, passed away at the age of 76 in Sullia, Karnataka. He was born in Sullia, Dakshina Kannada, Karnataka on 2 May 1950.
• Key details: About Girish Bharadwaj: Overview: He was an Indian social worker and engineer renowned for building over 150 low-cost suspension bridges that connected remote villages across five states to essential services, transforming rural connectivity and social welfare.Achievements: After founding Rational Engineering Works and Ayasshilpa Industries in Sullia, Karnataka, he began constructing bridges in 1989 following a request from the villagers of Aramburu, personally supervising and occasionally funding the projects, earning national and international recognition for his humanitarian and engineering contributions.Contribution: Designed and constructed over 150 eco-friendly hanging footbridges across Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh (AP), and Odisha at a cost of less than Rs.2 lakh each using local labour, community funding, sponsored materials, and sustainable construction practices, including timely completion of projects in Naxal-affected areas.
• Key points: He was conferred thePadma Shri, India’s fourth-highest civilian award, by the Government of India (GoI) in2017for his contributions to the field of Social Work.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: General Knowledge. Important for TNPSC prelims.

18. World Kiswahili Language Day 2026 – July 7

• What happened: World Kiswahili Language Day 2026 – July 7The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization(UNESCO) observesWorld Kiswahili Language Dayannually on7 Julyto recognise Kiswahili’s role in fostering unity, peace and cultural exchange across Africa and beyond. Background: Unifying Language : On 7 July1954, the Tanganyika African National Union (TANU), led by Julius Nyerere, adopted Kiswahili as a unifying language during Tanganyika’s independence movement.UNESCO Proclamation: In November2021, UNESCO’s 41st General Conference adopted Resolution 41 C/61, proclaiming 7 July as World Kiswahili Language Day.First Observance: The first World Kiswahili Language Day was observed on7 July 2022.2026 Commemoration: The fifth World Kiswahili Language Day and the Second International Conference on Kiswahili was held from 6–7 July 2026 at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, France.
• Key details: WorldBioproductDay 2026 – July 7WorldBioproductDayis observed annually across the world on7 Julyto raise global awareness about the importance of bioproducts and their role in promoting environmental sustainability, climate action and a circular bioeconomy. Background: Launch : The annual observance was launched in2021by the World BioEconomy Forum(WBEF) and the World Bioeconomy Association(WBA). Purpose: It highlights the role of bio-based innovations in reducing dependence on fossil fuels and advancing sustainable development.
• Key points: 2026 Theme:“Kiswahili for Peace, Solidarity and Global Economic Diplomacy.”; Bioproducts are commercially manufactured products derived wholly or partly from renewable biological resources (biomass), such as plants, trees, aquatic plants and wood waste.
• 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:

Q1. Which of the following is related to: MoC launches Key Initiatives at the 5th Foundation Day, Plans to establish a Cooperative Life Insurance Company?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q2. Which of the following is related to: WB Government Announces Rs 313 Crore Special Package for Tea Garden Workers?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q3. Which of the following is related to: Current Affairs 8 July 2026?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details

Q4. Which of the following is related to: Overview of FMSitharaman’svisit to France from July 1-4, 2026Union Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Ministr?

(a) Option A – to be filled with specific details
(b) Option B – to be filled with specific details
(c) Correct answer from the news item
(d) Option D – to be filled with specific details