Welcome to today’s TNPSC Daily Current Affairs for September 02, 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. NSO Releases Quarterly Estimates of Q1FY27, Projects GDP Growth at 7.8%

In August 2026, the National Statistical Office (NSO) under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) released the Quarterly Estimates of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for 1st Quarter (Q1: April-June 2026) of Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27).

Key points:

• Key Highlights: Series Revision: This release is first to incorporate the updated National Accounts Statistics (NAS) publication, which revised annual estimates for FY23, FY24 and FY25 using the new series of Output Producer Price Index (PPI) and Banking Services Price Index (BSPI), both with base year 2022-23.
• New Methodology: The compilation of Quarterly GDP Estimates is based on the Benchmark-Indicator Methodology, which estimates the previous financial year’s fingers using relevant sectoral indicators.
• Growth Estimates for Q1FY27: The GDP at Constant Prices (2022-23) is estimated at Rs 81.36 lakh crore (Cr) in Q1FY27, compared to Rs 75.46 lakh Cr in Q1FY26.
• As per the NSO data, India’s Real GDP grew by 7.8% in Q1FY27, higher than the 6.9% growth recorded in Q1FY26.
• The GDP at Current Prices is estimated at Rs 88.27 lakh Cr in Q1FY27, against Rs 80.00 lakh Cr in Q1FY26, showing a growth rate of 10.3%.

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

2. C-DOT Unveils 14 Indigenous Quantum Products to Strengthen Quantum-Safe Communication in India

In September 2026, Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), the premier telecom Research and Development (R&D) centre of the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), Ministry of Communications, Government of India (GoI), unveiled 14 indigenous Quantum Products during its 43rd Foundation Day celebrations held in New Delhi, Delhi.

Key points:

• About C-DOT Quantum Product Series Dignitaries: The Quantum Product Series was launched in the presence of Union Minister Jyotiraditya M.
• Scindia, Ministry of Communications and Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) and Dr.
• Rajkumar Upadhyay, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), C-DOT.
• Publication: A Quantum Product Series booklet was launched during the event to consolidate C-DOT’s indigenous quantum solutions and highlight its work in QKD, PQC and secure, resilient communication technologies.
• The products have been developed in the areas of Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) and Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to strengthen secure communication systems against emerging threats from quantum computing.

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

3. India Introduces First National Standards for Mortuaries, Bans Basement Morgues

On 30 August 2026, India introduced its first national minimum standards for mortuary and post-mortem infrastructure, finalised by the National Council for Clinical Establishments (NCCE) under the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) in line with the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010, to replace the earlier fragmented system governed by state-level medico-legal practices.

Key points:

• Highlights of National Mortuary Standards 2026: Framework: The standards create a centralized regulatory system, replacing non-uniform practices, and apply to public and private hospitals in States/UTs (Union Territories) adopting the ‘Clinical Establishment Act Standards for Mortuary, with implementation by respective authorities.
• Infrastructure: The framework mandates ground-floor placement, waste-zone restriction, 4–8°C cold storage with minimum capacity and unique ID, medico-legal separation, and a ~4,000 sq ft autopsy facility.
• The block must include a 2,000-square-foot operating area, viscera storage, waiting halls, and administrative offices.

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

4. Bihar, Jharkhand Sign MoU to Resolve 25-Year-Old Sone River Water-Sharing Dispute

In August 2026, the Governments of Bihar and Jharkhand signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi, Delhi, for sharing the waters of the Sone River, resolving a nearly 25-year-old inter-state water-sharing dispute between the two states.

Key points:

• Highlights of the MoU: Water Allocation: Of the 7.75 Million Acre-Feet (MAF) allocated to undivided Bihar under the 1973 Bansagar Agreement, Bihar will receive 5.75 MAF, while Jharkhand will receive 2 MAF.
• Background: The dispute arose after Jharkhand was created from Bihar in November 2000, as the division of the Sone River allocation between the successor states remained unresolved.
• Benefits to Bihar & Jharkhand: Bihar’s share will support irrigation and drinking water across Bhojpur, Buxar, Rohtas, Kaimur, Aurangabad, Arwal, Gaya and Patna.
• Jharkhand’s allocation will benefit Palamu, Garhwa and other regions.
• Significance: The pact reflects cooperative federalism and the “Team Bharat” vision.

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

5. MoSPI Signs MoU with Thapar Institute to Develop AI-Driven Consumption Expenditure Framework

On 31 August 2026, Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology (TIET), Punjab to undertake a research study for the development of a Predictive and Analytical Framework for Monthly Consumption Expenditures in India.

Key points:

• Objective: Leverage Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) data to estimate Monthly Per Capita Consumption Expenditure (MPCE) at the national and state levels, analyse household consumption patterns, and provide evidence for poverty estimation, economic planning, and policy formulation.
• Innovation: The partnership promotes the innovative use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Official Statistics to strengthen data-driven planning, decision-making, and measurement of development outcomes Assessment: The collaboration will support advanced data analysis, predictive modelling, and evidence-based decision-making.
• About TIET: It is a premier private deemed-to-be university, established in 1956 and headquartered in Patiala, Punjab and is one of India’s oldest and finest institutions, consistently producing highly skilled talent for both national and global needs.
• The MoU was signed by Prof. Padmakumar Nair (Vice Chancellor, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology) and R. Rajesh (Additional Director General (DG), Capacity Development Division, MoSPI).

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

6. IISc Established FQCI to Boost India’s Quantum Ecosystem under NQM

In September 2026, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Karnataka, has established the Foundation for Quantum Computing Innovation (FQCI), a Section 8 not-for-profit company, to function as the Quantum Computing Thematic Hub (QC T-Hub) at IISc under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Ministry of Science & Technology (MoS&T).

Key points:

• About FQCI: Initiatives: FQCI will develop skilled manpower and promote entrepreneurship in quantum technologies through five programmes, including Quantum Computing (QC) Rise, QC Bridge, QC Leap, QC Accel, and QC Quest.
• Research Areas: The hub will focus on developing quantum computing technologies across multiple platforms, including photonic quantum systems, superconducting circuits, semiconductor-based quantum devices, neutral atoms, and trapped ions.
• Infrastructure Development: FQCI will establish shared facilities for quantum device fabrication, testing, characterisation, and technology development, providing researchers and companies access to advanced infrastructure to transform laboratory research into practical quantum technologies.
• About NQM: It is implemented by the DST under MoS&T, with an outlay of Rs.
• 6,003.65 crore for 2023–24 to 2030–31 to develop 50–1,000 qubit quantum computers and establish quantum communication infrastructure, including about 2,000 kilometer (km) of ground-to-satellite links and inter-city networks.

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

7. DoSJE Sign MoU with Ramakrishna Mission for Intergenerational Bonding Initiative

On 1 September 2026, the Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ramakrishna Math and Ramakrishna Mission in New Delhi, Delhi to implement the nationwide initiative ‘Creating Intergenerational Bonding’, aimed at strengthening connections among children, parents, and grandparents.

Key points:

• About ‘Creating Intergenerational Bonding’ Initiative:.
• Signatories: The MoU was signed in the presence of Union Minister Virendra Kumar, MSJE and Union Minister of State(MoS) Dr.
• Virendra Kumar, MSJE along with other senior officials.
• Objective: The initiative aims to strengthen emotional and cultural bonds across generations through play-based, school-based activities.
• Implementation: A scalable model will be rolled out in 200 pilot schools, including co-learning games, a bilingual resource platform, and teacher certification.

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

🌍 International Affairs

8. Overview of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to Uzbekistan from August 29-30, 2026

Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi undertook a two-day state visit to Uzbekistan from August 29 to 30, 2026, at the invitation of Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, marking his 4th visit to the country.

Key points:

• Highlights of Visit: Bilateral Meeting: PM Modi held a bilateral meeting with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan at the Presidential Palace in Tashkent.
• The visit coincided with the 15th anniversary of India–Uzbekistan strategic partnership and the 35th Independence Day of Uzbekistan.
• During the meeting, both leaders have agreed to strengthen their bilateral engagement across areas like: trade, investment, defence, connectivity, digital technologies, critical minerals, energy, healthcare, education, and culture.

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

9. Highest Honour:“Oliy Darajali Do’stlik (Order of Highest Friendship)”,36th

Highest Honour: During the visit, PM Modi was conferred with Uzbekistan’s highest state honour the Order of “Oliy Darajali Do’stlik (Order of Highest Friendship)”, by Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan at the Kuksaroy Presidential Palace in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, marking his 36th global honour.

Key points:

• Key Outcomes: India and Uzbekistan signed 11 MoUs and agreements during Narendra Modi’s state visit, expanding cooperation across key sectors including culture, education, healthcare, mining, tourism, finance, environment, digital payments, Information Technology (IT), and Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI).
• Key Announcements: India and Uzbekistan announced major initiatives including a target to boost bilateral trade to USD 5 billion by 2030, establishment of an Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) Sanskrit Chair at Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, provision of 100 Lal Bahadur Shastri Scholarships for Uzbek students, and a USD 1 million grant for afforestation and environmental rehabilitation in the Aral Sea region.

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

10. Overview of UNCCD COP17 Held from August 17-28, 2026 in Ulaanbaatar,Mongolia

In August 2026, the 17th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP17) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification was held in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia from August 17 to 28, 2026, under the theme “Restoring Land.

Key points:

• Restoring Hope.” Highlights of UNCCD COP17: Chair: The UNCCD COP17 was chaired by Batmunkh Battsetseg, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia.
• India at UNCCD COP17: Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change(MoEFCC) of Government of India (GoI), led the Indian delegation at the UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia.
• Outcomes: Nova (NOVVA Group Pte.
• Ltd.), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Mongolia’s Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation and Communications (MDDIC), on green data centres, Renewable Energy (RE), and AI-ready digital infrastructure in Mongolia.
• This year’s UNCCD COP coincided with the United Nations International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists (IYRP 2026), which was championed by Mongolia.

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

11. Next Host :Egypt Sharm El-Sheikh.

Next Host: During the closing session of the conference, the member parties unanimously approved Egypt as the host of the UNCCD COP18 scheduled in 2028 in the Red Sea resort city of Sharm El-Sheikh.

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

12. Union MoS Pabitra Margherita Visits Vietnam and Lao PDR from 26-29 August 2026

Union Minister of State (MoS) Pabitra Margherita, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), paid an official visit to Vietnam and Lao People’s Democratic Republic (PDR), commonly known as Laos, from August 26–29 2026 to strengthen bilateral partnerships under Act East Policy.

Key points:

• Highlights of Visits: Vietnam Engagement: In Hanoi(Vietnam), Union MoS Pabitra Margherita paid tribute at Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and held talks with Lê Minh Hưng and Senior Lieutenant General Le Tan Toi, while also delivering a keynote at Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) and interacting with President Dr.
• He visited Phap Van Pagoda under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam initiative and engaged with tourism and textile sectors, Garco 10 Corporation, International Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) alumni, and the Indian diaspora.

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

13. Laos Engagement: 70th anniversary

Laos Engagement: In Vientiane(Laos), Union MoS Pabitra Margherita met Thongsavanh Phomvihane, Khamlieng Outhakaysone, and Anouparb Vongnorkeo during the 70th anniversary of India–Lao PDR diplomatic relations, delivered a keynote at the “India–Lao PDR at 70” seminar, and visited Quick Impact Project sites including Mount Phou Si and the Ramayana Theatre.

Key points:

• He launched initiatives for preservation of the Phlak-Phlam dance and development of the National Arts College, and in Luang Prabang witnessed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for mural restoration at Wat Pa Khae Temple.

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

🔬 Science & Technology

14. China Tests GJ-21 Stealth UAV as Type 076 ‘Sichuan’ Enters Final Sea Trials

In August 2026, China tested its GJ-21 stealth Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) as the Type 076 amphibious assault ship “Sichuan” entered its final phase of sea trials, marking a major step towards integrating unmanned combat systems with naval operations.

Key points:

• Highlights of GJ-21 UAV & Type 076 Sichuan: GJ-21 Stealth UAV: The GJ-21 is a naval variant of the GJ-11 stealth drone (already in service), revealed in 2019 and showcased in September 2025, designed for carrier-based reconnaissance and strike roles, with recent test flights over Huludao (Liaoning Province) confirming active development.
• Type 076 “Sichuan” Drone Carrier: The Sichuan is China’s first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, with a full-load displacement of more than 40,000 tonnes and a flight deck measuring around 250 metres(m) long and 62 m wide.
• Significance: The integration of EMALS enables launch of fixed-wing aircraft and UCAVs (Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle) like the GJ-21 stealth drone, supporting unmanned naval warfare advancements.
• It is equipped with an Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System (EMALS), making it the world’s first amphibious ship capable of launching fixed-wing aircraft and stealth UAVs, effectively functioning as a “drone carrier”.

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

💰 Economy & Banking

15. NCDEX Launches ‘RAINCHNNAI’ Weather Derivatives Contract for Chennai’s Northeast Monsoon

In August 2026, the National Commodity & Derivatives Exchange Limited (NCDEX) launched ‘RAINCHNNAI’, a rainfall-based weather derivatives contract in Chennai, Tamil Nadu (TN), to help market participants hedge risks associated with the Northeast (NE) monsoon.

Key points:

• Objective: The contract, complements NCDEX’s earlier RAINMUMBAI, provides a transparent and standardized tool for hedging rainfall deviations affecting sectors like agriculture, logistics, and urban infrastructure dependent on monsoon patterns.
• Data: The contract has been developed using rainfall data from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), with inputs from the Meenambakkam and Nungambakkam weather stations.
• Model: It is based on the Cumulative Deviation Rainfall (CDR) model, measuring deviation from the Long Period Average (LPA) using over 50 years of historical rainfall data.
• Features: It operates as a cash-settled futures contract with a tick size of 1 millimetre(mm) and a maximum order lot size of 50 lots, removing the need for physical delivery or loss assessment.
• The cash-settled futures model covers September–December rainfall deviations in Chennai, addressing the retreating monsoon that contributes nearly 70% of the city’s annual rainfall.

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

16. PhonePe Launches ‘UPI 123Pay’ for Feature Phone Users

In August 2026, PhonePe, a Third Party Application Provider(TPAP), launched, UPI 123Pay, enabling feature phone users to make Unified Payments Interface(UPI) transactions without internet access, using an SMS (Short Message Service)-based system that works even on low/2G networks, marking a major step towards financial inclusion in India.

Key points:

• About UPI 123Pay: Framework: UPI 123Pay is built on the framework developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) and leverages basic telecom infrastructure to enable secure and seamless transactions without internet access.
• Technology: It operates on an SMS-based architecture, ensuring seamless transactions even in low or 2G connectivity areas.
• Access: The service is pre-installed on select feature phones (Nokia, HMD, Lava International, itel Mobile) and supports P2P (Peer-to-Peer) and P2M (Peer-to-Merchant) payments via mobile number or UPI ID, along with QR (Quick Response) code scanning (on supported devices), and access to bank balance and transaction history.
• Support: It includes an AI (Artificial Intelligence)-powered voice helpline available in English and 12 Indian languages for easy onboarding and usage.

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

17. SBI Research Raises India’s FY27 GDP Growth Forecast to 7.3%

In August 2026, the Economic Research Department (ERD) of the State Bank of India (SBI Research) raised India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth projection at 7.3% for Financial Year 2026-27 (FY27), from its previous estimate of 6.6% in its latest report.

Key points:

• Key Projections: Quarter-based Growth Estimates: The report has further estimated India’s real GDP growth rate at 7.3% for Q2(July-September); 7.2% for Q3(October-December); and 6.9% for Q4 (January-March).
• GVA: The report also showed India’s Gross Value Added (GVA), an indicator of economic activity that excludes taxes and subsidies, registered a growth rate of 8.2% in real terms, higher than 7.1% recorded in the corresponding period last fiscal.
• Key Drivers: India’s strong growth momentum in Q1FY27 was mainly attributed by: robust domestic demand (+7.1% in Q1FY27), government capital expenditure, and strong activity in services (10% in Q1FY27)and manufacturing (+9.2% in Q1FY27)sectors.
• About SBI Research: It is the research and economic analysis wing of SBI.
• Through its flagship Ecowrap reports and policy research publications, it provides analysis and forecasts on India’s macroeconomic trends, banking, inflation, fiscal policy and financial markets.

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

🏏 Sports

18. Argentina’s Lionel Messi Announces Retirement from International Football

In August 2026, Legendary Argentina footballer and captain Lionel Messi announced his retirement from international football at the age of 39 after Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the 2026 FIFA (International Federation of Association Football) World Cup final.

Key points:

• About Lionel Messi: World Cup: Messi played six FIFA World Cup tournaments, equalling Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal) and Guillermo Ochoa (Mexico), setting a record of 34 appearances and scoring 21 goals, second only to Kylian Mbappé (France).
• Future: Messi will continue playing club football with Inter Miami CF (Football Club) in Major League Soccer for the remainder of his contract.
• Titles: Messi won the FIFA World Cup 2022, Copa América 2021, Copa América 2024, and Finalissima 2022, while finishing runner-up in the FIFA World Cup (2014, 2026) and Copa América (2007, 2015, 2016).
• He ended a 20-year career as his nation’s most-capped player (207) and all-time leading scorer (125), as well as South America’s top international goal scorer.

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

19. FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: Germany Clinch Men’s Title, Argentina Win Women’s Crown

The 2026 International Hockey Federation (FIH) Hockey World Cup was the 16th edition of both the men’s and women’s tournaments, held jointly from 15 to 30 August 2026 in Wavre, Belgium and Amsterdam, Netherlands, marking the 3rd time in FIH history that both competitions were fully integrated into a single co-hosted event.

Key points:

• About FIH Hockey World Cup 2026: Overview: The FIH Hockey World Cup is a quadrennial world championship for national field hockey teams, organized by the FIH.
• Format: features 16 men’s and 16 women’s teams divided into four pools (A–D) of four in the group stage, followed by crossover playoffs where second- and third-placed teams compete.
• Germany won the Men’s title by defeating Spain 1–0, successfully defending their title and claiming a record-equalling fourth crown while Argentina won the women’s title by defeating record nine-time champions Netherlands in a shootout to secure the championship.

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

🏆 Awards & Honours

20. Swiss Tennis Legend Roger Federer Inducted into International Tennis Hall of Fame

In August 2026, Swiss tennis legend Roger Federer was inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame (ITHF) in Newport, Rhode Island, the United States of America (USA), marking one of the highest honours in tennis.

Key points:

• About Roger Federer: Career: He is regarded as one of the greatest tennis players, winning 20 Grand Slam titles, 103 Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) Tour titles, and holding the record of 310 weeks as World No.
• 1 (Number One), including 8 Wimbledon titles and achieving a Career Grand Slam.
• Milestone: In 2009, he completed a Career Grand Slam by winning the French Open.
• His 2017 comeback was notable, winning both the Australian Open and Wimbledon after injury.
• Legacy: The Swiss legend, who retired in 2022, earned induction into the Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, highlighting his exceptional legacy and enduring impact on the sport.

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

📘 General Knowledge & Miscellaneous

21. International Day for People of African Descent 2026 – August 31

The United Nations (UN) observes the International Day for People of African Descent annually on 31 August to recognise the significant contributions of people of African descent worldwide and promote efforts to combat all forms of discrimination.

Key points:

• Background: Resolution: On 16 December 2020, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted Resolution A/RES/75/170, designating 31 August every year as the International Day for People of African Descent.
• Initiative: The establishment of the International Day for People of African Descent was championed by Costa Rica, a Central American country.
• First Observance: The International Day for People of African Descent was first observed on 31 August 2021.
• August 31, 2026 marks the 6th observance of the International Day for People of African Descent.
• 2026 Theme: Expanding the Human Rights of People of African Descent.

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