Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for July 09, 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. GoIApproves expansion of PM-SETU Across 200 ITI Clusters WorthRs1,237.58 CroreIn July 2026, the Gove

• What happened: GoIApproves expansion of PM-SETU Across 200 ITI Clusters WorthRs1,237.58 CroreIn July 2026, the Government of India (GoI) approved the nationwide expansion ofPM-SETU(Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (Industrial Training Institute)) across all200identified ITI clusters.
• Key points: The Centre has approved strategic investment plans worthRs1,237.58 Crunder the programme.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

2. Expansion of ITI Clusters

• What happened: Expansion of ITI ClustersCommittee: The 4th National Steering Committee (NSC), held under the chairpersonship ofDebashreeMukherjee, Secretary, Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) approved this expansion.Members: The meeting was also attended by Dilip Kumar, DG-DGT (Director General – Directorate General of Training), and Manasi Sahay Thakur, JS (Joint Secretary), along with senior representatives from state governments.ITI Clusters: The committee approved five ITI clusters acrossOdisha, Gujarat, andTelangana, with private sector firms selected as anchor industry partners to implement the projects. MoEReleases the Report on UDISE+ 2025-26 on School Education in IndiaOn July 7 2026, the Ministry of Education(MoE) released the ‘Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+) 2025-26’report, providing comprehensive data on school education, including enrolment, teachers, infrastructure, retention, transition and gender parity.
• Key details: Highlights of UDISE+ 2025-26 Report: PTR: Reported Pupil-Teacher Ratio (PTRs) are Foundational 10, Preparatory 12, Middle 17, and Secondary 21, better than the National Education Policy’s recommended 30:1, enabling individualized learning.Dropout Rates: Dropout rates declined across levels: Preparatory 1.8% (from 2.3%), Middle 3.6% (from 3.5%), Secondary 7.0% (from 8.2%), reflecting improved student retention.GER: Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) at Secondary increased to 71.7% (from 68.5% in 2024-25), indicating greater access and student participation at higher levels.
• Key points: According to the report, the number ofteachersrose by 8.3% to1,02,73,020in 2025–26, from 94,83,294 in 2022–23.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

3. Union Agriculture Minister

• What happened: Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan Launches PRAGATI Initiative to Support 20 Lakh FarmersIn July 2026, Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare(MoA&FW) & Rural Development(MoRD) Shivraj Singh Chouhanlaunched the PRAGATI (Promoting Regenerative Agriculture Through Agri-Entrepreneurship Initiative) programme in New Delhi, Delhi. Highlights of the PRAGATI Initiative: Objective: PRAGATI aims to strengthen rural livelihoods through regenerative agriculture, technology-driven farming and improved market access.Implementation: The programme will be implemented in Madhya Pradesh(MP), Bihar, Uttar Pradesh(UP), Assam, West Bengal(WB), Jharkhand, Maharashtra(MH), and Rajasthan, building on the existing network of26,000+agri-entrepreneurssupporting26 lakh farmers.
• Key details: Targets: PRAGATI aims to increase farmers’ income by at least30%, improve yields of major crops by15–20%, promote regenerative agriculture among20%of participating farmers and enable financial inclusion for50%of associated farmers. MoEFCC NotifiesMizoram’s Natural History Museum as India’s 21stDesignatedRepositoryIn July 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India (GoI) notified the Natural History Museum (NHM), Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram as India’s21st Designated Repository(DR) under Section 39 of theBiological Diversity Act, 2002, following the recommendation of National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) and after due examination of the proposal.AboutMizoram’s Natural History Museum: Establishment: NHM was established in2022under Mizoram University Act (No. 8 of 2000) and is strategically located in the Indo-Burma Biodiversity Hotspot and recognised for its specialised taxonomic expertise.Collections and Expertise: NHM has preserved over 500 specimens, including herbarium sheets and wet collections.
• Key points: The initiative aims to empower20,000agri-entrepreneursand directly support20 lakh smallholder farmersacross India by promoting sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture.; Agri-entrepreneurs will provide soil testing, mechanisation, advisory services, financial linkages and market access at the village level.; It supports Target 4 of India’s National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) 2024–2030 on ex situ conservation and genetic diversity, in line with the Kunming–Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.; TribeX will offer structured learning opportunities through free certificate courses and University Grants Commission (UGC)-recognized Post Graduate (PG) diploma programmes in tribal languages, art forms, crafts and traditional knowledge, enabling the learners to directly connect with tribal knowledge holders and master artisans.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

4. Bisleri International Partners with ICG for Cleaner Coastlines and a Sustainable Future

• What happened: Bisleri International Partners with ICG for Cleaner Coastlines and a Sustainable FutureIn July 2026, Bisleri InternationalPrivate Limited, one of India’s largest premium beverage businesses, signed a Letter of Association(LoA) with the Indian Coast Guard(ICG) (Kerala and Mahe) through its flagship initiative Bottles for Change(BFC), to promote plastic waste management and support environmental sustainability across coastal regions. Key Details of Agreement: Signatories: The agreement, aligned with the ICG mission of‘Plastic Free Oceans’, was formally signed by Dr.
• Key details: Angelo George, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Bisleri International; and Ashish Mehrotra, Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of ICG.Plastic Waste Management: Under the collaboration, Bisleri’s led BFC and ICG will jointly work to bolster plastic waste management systems by promoting responsible collection, segregation, and recycling of post-consumer plastic.Key Objectives: In addition, the collaboration seeks to raise awareness, encourage behavioural change, and foster sustainable practices to prevent plastic waste from entering the marine ecosystems.About Bisleri International: Established in 1969, Bisleri International is headquartered in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and is best known for its Bisleri bottled water brand.
• Key points: The collaboration expands the reach of Bottles for Change (BFC) to coastal and marine ecosystems, reinforcing Bisleri International’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

5. UP Cabinet Approves Renaming of Jalalabad Town as

• What happened: UP Cabinet Approves Renaming of Jalalabad Town asParashurampuriOn 6 July 2026, the Uttar Pradesh(UP) Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister (CM) Yogi Adityanath, approved the proposal to renameJalalabad townin Shahjahanpur district, UP, asParashurampuri.
• Key points: The town’s municipal body will also be renamed Parashurampuri Nagar Palika Parishad.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

6. Renaming of Jalalabad Town:

• What happened: Renaming of Jalalabad Town: Reason: The renaming highlights the town’s historical and religious significance as it is believed to be thebirthplace of Lord Parashuram. Process: The proposal was supported by the Nagar Palika Parishad through resolutions passed in 2018 and 2023.
• Key details: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) issued a No Objection Certificate (NOC) on 19 August 2025 after receiving the State government’s proposal.Implementation: The new name will take effect after the completion of the required administrative and legal formalities.OtherApprovals: The UP Cabinet also approved 28 proposals, including the establishment of the Startup Mission Directorate, the UP Startup Policy, and the Data Centre Policy to promote innovation and digital infrastructure. *******.
• Key points: The previous name Jalalabad was linked to Jalal-ud-din Muhammad Akbar during the Mughal period.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Polity & Governance (GS Paper 2). Government policies and administration.

🌍 International Affairs

7. UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026:

• What happened: UNCTAD’s World Investment Report 2026: India Ranks 11th in Global FDI Inflows with USD 38.89 Billion in 2025In July 2026, the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD) released its latest report titled“2026 World Investment Report: International Investment in a Turbulent Era”. As per the report, India emerged as the world’s11thlargest recipient of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), moving up two places compared to 2024, with total inflows surging by approximately 44%toUSD 38.89 billionin 2025. Key Findings: Global FDI Inflow: The report revealed that global FDI increased6%toUSD 1.6 trillionin 2025, after witnessing two consecutive years of decline.World’s Top 5 Source Economies: The USA also emerged as the world’s largest source of FDI with its total outflow ofUSD 263 billionin 2025.
• Key details: Sectors: The report noted that worldwide investment is becoming more concentrated in strategic sectors such as: semiconductors, digital infrastructure, Artificial Intelligence (AI), advanced manufacturing and energy transition technologies, accounting for 44% of global greenfield investment project value in 2025 (over 16% registered in 2024).
• Key points: The United States of America(USA) continued to be the world’s largest FDI destination with inflows ofUSD 277 billion, followed bySingapore(USD 151 billion), Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region (SAR) of China (USD 116 billion) ranked at 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively.; As per UNCTAD’s report, India moved up 2 places to18thamong the world’s top home economies for FDI as its overall FDI outflow increased 47% i. e. from USD 24.26 billion (in 2024) toUSD 35.66 billion(in 2025).; It is followed by Japan (2nd), China (3rd), Luxembourg (4th) and Hong Kong, SAR of China (5th).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

8. Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh Leads Indian Delegation to UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, Switzerland

• What happened: Union Minister Kirti Vardhan Singh Leads Indian Delegation to UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva, SwitzerlandUnion Minister of State (MoS) Kirti Vardhan Singh, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), led the Indian delegation at theinauguralUnited Nations(UN) Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence (AI) Governance, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 6-7, 2026. About UN Global Dialogue on AI Governance 2026: Overview: It is a universal, multi-stakeholder forum established under United Nations General Assembly(UNGA) Resolution 79/325 following the Global Digital Compact adopted under the Pact of the Future in September 2024.Purpose: To promote consensus-based, human-centric AI governance, strengthen AI capacity in developing countries, and ensure inclusive and sustainable technological development.2026Leadership: The Dialogue was co-chaired byPaul Kagame, President of Rwanda andMarc Benioff, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Salesforce, withDoreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), serving as Vice-ChairOutcome: The inaugural session received the first annual report of theIISPAon AI capabilities, opportunities, and risks.
• Key points: India reaffirmed its‘AI for All’ vision, promoting responsible, inclusive and human-centric AI through oversight, human-rights protection and safeguards against misuse.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: International Relations (GS Paper 2). Bilateral and multilateral agreements.

🔬 Science & Technology

9. ISRO Successfully Conducts Flight Acceptance Hot Test of CE20 Cryogenic Engine for LVM3-M7 Mission

• What happened: ISRO Successfully Conducts Flight Acceptance Hot Test of CE20 Cryogenic Engine for LVM3-M7 MissionOn July 6 2026, the Indian Space Research Organisation(ISRO) successfully conducted the flight acceptancehot test of the CE20 cryogenic enginefor the seventh operational mission of the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3-M7) at the Main Engine & stage Test facility (MET) in ISRO Propulsion Complex(IPRC), Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu (TN).
• Key points: During the test, the engine operated at 19.5 tonnes (t) of thrust for 45 seconds and 22 t for 25 seconds, verifying its performance for the LVM3-M7 mission.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

10. Highlight of the Test:

• What happened: Highlight of the Test: Nozzle Protection System (NPS): The CE20 cryogenic engine was tested with the NPS) for the first time, and the test confirmed the satisfactory performance of both the engine systems and the NPS. Integration: The engine will be refurbished and integrated with the C32 cryogenic stage for the LVM3-M7 vehicle.About CE20 Engine: The indigenously developed CE20 cryogenic engine powers the upper stage of LVM3 and operates at 19–22 tonnes of thrust.
• Key details: It has successfully powered 8 consecutive LVM3 missions, including Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3, and three commercial missions, and is qualified for the Gaganyaan mission.
• Key points: The NPS simplifies high-altitude engine testing, requires fewer resources and enables longer test duration.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Science & Technology (GS Paper 3). Achievements of Indians in S&T.

💰 Economy & Banking

11. GIFT City & Vietnam’s Da Nang Financial Hub Signed MoU to Enhance Cross-Border Investment

• What happened: GIFT City & Vietnam’s Da Nang Financial Hub Signed MoU to Enhance Cross-Border InvestmentIn July 2026, Gujarat International Finance Tec-City(GIFT City), India’s International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), signed a Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with Vietnam International Financial Center–Da Nang(VIFC-DN), in New Delhi, Delhi. Key Details of MoU: Focus: The partnership covers financial services, financial technology (fintech), digital innovation, capacity building, financial sector development, and the exchange of institutional knowledge and best practices.Collaboration: Both institutions will undertake joint research and publications, professional exchanges, conferences, seminars, outreach initiatives, and regular institutional engagement in areas of mutual interest.OtherMoUs: GIFT City also signed MoUs with Tata Communications Limited to promote Global Capability Centres (GCCs) and technology businesses, and with CEPT University(Gujarat) for research, knowledge exchange and capacity building.
• Key points: The MoU aims to support the development of Vietnam’s international financial centre, promote cross-border investments, and strengthen financial and business linkages between India and Vietnam.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

12. AEL’s KCL Secured LME Certification for “

• What happened: AEL’s KCL Secured LME Certification for “AdaniCopper”In July 2026, Kutch Copper Limited(KCL), a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises Limited(AEL), secured London Metal Exchange(LME) certification for its “AdaniCopper” Grade A cathodes. Key Details: Global Significance: The LME listing of Adani Copper places the brand among the world’s leading copper brands, conferring global recognition and market credibility on the Group’s entry into the metals sector.LME Cathodes as Collateral: Also, LME-listed cathodes can be stored on warrant in approved warehouses and used as collateral, thereby enhancing the financing flexibility and global tradability.Certification Process: It involves superior quality assurances which cover chemical composition, shape and weight, alongside strict responsible sourcing protocol.About London Metal Exchange (LME): The LME is the world’s largest exchange for trading industrial metals, including copper, aluminium, zinc, lead, nickel, and tin, and it provides global benchmark prices while facilitating the trading, hedging, and physical delivery of non-ferrous metals; it is headquartered in London, United Kingdom(UK), and was established in 1877.
• Key points: The approval will enable Adani Copper cathodes to be delivered with warrants eligible for issuance against LME Copper futures contracts fromJuly 10, 2026.
• 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. Sirsa Kinnow Gets GI Recognition as Haryana’s First Exclusive GI Product

• What happened: Sirsa Kinnow Gets GI Recognition as Haryana’s First Exclusive GI ProductIn July 2026, the Geographical Indication Registry(GIR) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoC&I), granted Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Haryana’sSirsa Kinnow, becoming the state’s 1st fruit to receive such recognition.Key Details: Certification Granted to: Kharisureran Farmer Producer Company Limited in Sirsa district, Haryana, received the GI tag for Sirsa Kinnow.Sirsa Kinnow Emblem: In addition to the GI tag, Sirsa Kinnow has secured its own logo featuring an orange kinnow with a green leaf inside a circular “Sirsa Kinnow” emblem.Sirsa Kinnow: Kinnow is not a native fruit to Haryana, or even to India. Its origin traces back to the early 20th Century in California, the United States of America (USA), where it was developed by renowned HorticulturistHoward B.
• Key details: Frost. Total GI Products: At present, the total number of GI-tagged products in India stands at 822, of which, 125 were alone registered between April 2025 to March 2026.
• Key points: It is a hybrid citrus fruit developed by crossing the King Mandarin(Citrus nobilis) and the Willow Leaf Mandarin (Citrus x deliciosa).; It has a unique sweet and sour taste, and is rich in Vitamin C and minerals like: Calcium (Ca) and Potassium (K).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

15. Eastern Indian Dominance:

• What happened: Eastern Indian Dominance: Out of 125 GIs registered over the last one year,26were from Madhya Pradesh (MP), followed by West Bengal (WB) (24); and Jharkhand (11).
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

16. APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

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

17. RBI Appoints Muralidhar Pai as MD & CEO

• What happened: RBI Appoints Muralidhar Pai as MD & CEOofSouth Indian BankIn July 2026, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) approved the appointment ofMahesh Muralidhar Paias the Managing Director(MD) and Chief Executive Officer(CEO) of South Indian Bank(SIB) for a3-year termbeginning on1 October 2026. About Muralidhar Pai: Profile: Pai is recognized for his strategic leadership and execution capabilities, with nearly three decades of experience across governance, strategy, treasury, foreign exchange, retail banking, agriculture, and MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) credit.Previous Role: He currently serves as Chief General Manager (CGM) at Canara Bank (public-sector bank, PBS), Served asDirectoron the Boards of Karnataka State Financial Corporation (KSFC) and Canara Bank Securities Limited (CBSL). Other Appointments: RBI approved the re-appointment of Nurani Subramanian(N.
• Key details: S.) Vishwanathanas Non-Executive (Part-time) ChairmanofAxis Bank Limitedfor three years, effective fromOctober 27, 2026, to October 26,2029. Insurance Dekho Appoints Sourav Gangulyas Brand Ambassador; Launches ‘KhulKarKhelo‘ CampaignIn July 2026, InsuranceDekho, an Insurtech platform, appointed former India cricket captainSouravGangulyas its brand ambassador and launched the‘Khul Kar Khelo’ campaignto empower insurance advisors across India.About‘Khul Kar Khelo’ Campaign: Theme: The campaign reflects Sourav Ganguly’s image as a fearless captain who supported his team and developed a generation of successful players.Aim: The campaign aims to help insurance advisors grow their businesses, increase earnings and expand their reach. It also seeks to strengthen their role as micro-entrepreneurs and enhance financial protection for families across India.
• Key points: He succeedsP. R. Seshadri, who will step down as MD & CEO of SIB and remain in office until September 30, 2026.; The campaign will be promoted through television, digital and broadcast platforms.
• Why it matters for TNPSC: Economy (GS Paper 3). Banking, monetary policy, fiscal developments.

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

18. Former Afghanistan Fast Bowler

• What happened: Former Afghanistan Fast Bowler Shapoor Zadran Passed Away at 38On July 7 2026, ShapoorZadran, formerAfghanistan fast bowlerand one of the pioneers of Afghanistan’s rise in international cricket, passed away at theage of 38in New Delhi, Delhi. About Shapoor Zadran: Profile: Known for his left-arm pace, Shapoor Zadran played a key role in Afghanistan’s early cricketing journey and represented the country in One Day Internationals (ODIs) and Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is). Career: He represented Afghanistan in44ODIsand36 T20Isbetween 2009 and 2020, claiming 80 international wickets.Major Achievements: He registered career-best figures of4/24on his ODI debut against the Netherlands in 2009.
• Key details: Contribution: He played an important role in Afghanistan’s rise as a regular participant in the ICC Cricket World Cup and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
• Key points: He was born on 8 July 1987 in Paktia Province, Afghanistan.; He took 10 wickets at the2015 ICC Cricket World Cupand scored the winning runs against Scotland to secure Afghanistan’s first World Cup victory.
• 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: GoIApproves expansion of PM-SETU Across 200 ITI Clusters WorthRs1,237.58 CroreIn July 2026, the Gove?

(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: Expansion of ITI Clusters?

(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: Union Agriculture Minister?

(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: Bisleri International Partners with ICG for Cleaner Coastlines and a Sustainable Future?

(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

Q5. Which of the following is related to: UP Cabinet Approves Renaming of Jalalabad Town as?

(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