Daily Current Affairs - 22-08-2026

International News

Ulchi Freedom Shield Exercise

The United States and South Korea concluded their annual joint military exercise, Ulchi Freedom Shield, on August 21, 2026, six days ahead of the original schedule. The exercise began on August 17, 2026, and was conducted to strengthen the two countries’ preparedness against possible North Korean attacks. The exercise was originally planned for 11 days in two phases, covering defensive and counter-attack operations, with the second phase scheduled until August 27. The number of planned joint field exercises was reduced from 14 to 7. North Korea opposed the exercise and conducted a test launch of about 10 short-range ballistic missiles towards the open sea.

National News

India’s Space Startup Sector

Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the founders and Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of 20 space-sector startups in New Delhi on August 21, 2026. The interaction focused on expanding the use of space technology in sectors such as agriculture, animal husbandry, dairy and environmental protection. The role of cooperation between space startups and sector-specific institutions, including agricultural universities and environmental organisations, was highlighted. Space companies were also encouraged to collaborate with Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) centres to promote interest in space technology among school students. The expansion of private-sector participation in India’s space sector has created new opportunities for innovation, investment and technological development.

Personalities, Awards and Events

National Best Teacher Award 2026

For the 2026 National Best Teacher Award, two teachers from Tamil Nadu and one teacher from Puducherry were selected by the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education. M. Thangaraj of a Panchayat Union Primary School in Puliyampatti, Tenkasi district, and S. Ganesan of Tyagi R. Srinivasan Government High School, Mettupalayam, Puducherry, were selected for the award. Under the Kendriya Vidyalaya category, J. Amudha, a teacher at PM Shri Kendriya Vidyalaya, Madurai, was also selected.

Science and Technology News

14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministers Meeting

The 14th BRICS Science, Technology and Innovation Ministers’ Meeting was held in Chennai on August 21, 2026, with Union Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh participating. Under India’s 2026 BRICS Chairmanship, the theme was “Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Framework for Sustainability.” The meeting focused on cooperation in emerging technologies, including Artificial Intelligence, Quantum Technologies, Advanced Materials, Biotechnology, Photonics, Geospatial Technologies and High-Performance Computing. The BRICS framework emphasised international cooperation and the development of an inclusive and sustainable innovation ecosystem.

Indian Private Space Startups

CEO-founders of Indian space-sector startups, including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, PierSight, SatSure, Manastu Space, Astrogate, TakeMe2Space, Cosmoserve Space and OrbitAid Aerospace, participated in the interaction with the Prime Minister. These startups operate in areas such as rocket manufacturing, avionics, satellite technology, advanced propulsion systems, defence surveillance, space-debris removal and AI-based weather forecasting. The interaction covered the growth of India’s private space sector, development of indigenous technologies and skill development.

States’ News

Revised DPR for Mekedatu Dam

The Karnataka government has resubmitted the revised Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Mekedatu Dam across the Cauvery River to the Central Water Commission (CWC). The proposed project, estimated at ₹9,000 crore, is planned with a storage capacity of 67.14 TMC, power generation capacity of 400 MW, and allocation of 4.5 TMC for Bengaluru’s drinking water needs. The project requires about 12,500 acres of forest land, with the possibility of felling 8.90 lakh trees. Karnataka submitted the preliminary project report in 2018 and the DPR in 2019. The CWC directed revisions as the DPR was found inconsistent with the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal Award and later returned the revised DPR on June 29 citing inconsistency with the Supreme Court’s Cauvery dispute judgment. Karnataka subsequently resubmitted the amended DPR to the CWC.

Onam Festival in Kerala

Onam, the traditional festival of Kerala, was celebrated at a school in Ernakulam district. As part of the celebration, students performed a traditional dance around an Athapoo, a floral decoration associated with Onam.

Tamil Nadu News

History of Census in Tamil Regions

The book “Census: Identity Differences and Contradictions in the Caste-based System” by S. Jayaseela Stephen, translated into Tamil by N.M. Tamilmani and published by New Century Book House, examines census records from the colonial period. The earliest statistical data in Tranquebar (Tharangambadi) were collected in 1790, covering population, occupation and housing, along with data on caste, religion, language and slavery. The first statistical survey of houses in Tranquebar for social measurement was conducted in 1702. Population measurements began in the Madras Presidency in 1822, followed by censuses in 1830–31 and 1836–37, and quinquennial censuses from 1843; the Madras Presidency data were integrated with British Empire statistics in 1871. The 1871 Census recorded 416 occupations in Tamil Nadu, while the 1881 Census listed 17 caste groups and 76 sub-groups. A caste list was first compiled in Tamil-speaking regions in 1891, and a caste glossary with occupational details was published in 1901. In 1921, caste classification was shifted towards social and demographic criteria rather than ethnological classification. The term “Scheduled Castes” became official in 1932 and was incorporated into the Government of India Act, 1935. The book covers census practices in Danish Tranquebar (1790–1834), French Pondicherry and Karaikal (1822–1825), and the British Madras Presidency (1871–1941).

Committee to Investigate Fish Deaths in Kosasthalaiyar River

A committee has been constituted to investigate the death of fish in the Kosasthalaiyar River in Chennai, and a detailed report has been ordered within 10 days. The Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) conducted inspections at the Buckingham Canal, Railway Overbridge Canal, Ennore estuary, and near the Kattupakkam Thermal Power Plant. The water samples showed low oxygen concentration, while no industrial waste mixing or oil slick was detected and the water temperature was normal. Samples of water and dead fish were sent for analysis. A total of 2,150 kg of fish were reported dead and removed with the assistance of the Greater Chennai Corporation. The investigation committee comprises the Joint Director of the Fisheries Department, a Fisheries College professor, a TNPCB official, and a Fisheries Department inspector.

District Judge Exam – Advocate Experience Reduced to One Year

The Supreme Court of India has reduced the mandatory advocate practice requirement for law graduates appearing for District Judge recruitment examinations from three years to one year. A 2:1 majority bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice A.G. Masih and Justice K.V. Viswanathan delivered the judgment. The requirement will not apply to judicial service examinations announced between May 25, 2025 and March 31, 2027, allowing eligible law graduates to appear without prior advocate experience. Candidates qualifying during this period must undergo one year of clerkship training at a Judicial Academy, followed by one year of court training under the supervision of a District Principal Sessions Judge and a High Court Judge; successful candidates may then be appointed as full-time District Judges with full salary. For examinations announced from April 1, 2027, candidates must have at least one year of advocate practice and obtain a certificate from a senior advocate who has been a Bar Council member for at least 10 years. The revised training system will remain in force for five years, after which the Supreme Court may review it based on available data. Justice K.V. Viswanathan gave the dissenting opinion.

AI Skill Development in Tamil Nadu

The Tamil Nadu Government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with ICT Academy, international technology companies and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) organisations in Chennai to strengthen Artificial Intelligence (AI) skill development in the state. The MoUs provide for industry-oriented practical training, certification courses, special skill centres and state-wide skill development programmes in collaboration with technology companies. The initiatives are expected to provide skill development training to more than 2 lakh students. Major AI initiatives planned by the state include an AI Centre of Excellence, AI University and AI City. The event was led by Tamil Nadu Minister for Artificial Intelligence, Information Technology and Digital Services R. Kumar, with Additional Chief Secretary Atul Anand also participating.