Daily Current Affairs - 23-08-2026

Important Days

23 August – National Space Day

National Space Day is observed in India on 23 August to commemorate the successful landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon on 23 August 2023. India became the first country to land a spacecraft in the Moon’s southern polar region. The day was officially declared as National Space Day by the Government of India in 2023.

National News

Gorkhaland Issue – Committee Constituted

The Union Government has constituted a committee headed by Pankaj Kumar Singh, former Deputy National Security Adviser and current interlocutor, to finalise modalities for a permanent political solution to the demands of the Gorkha community in the Darjeeling hills and adjoining areas of North Bengal. The Gorkha community has been demanding a separate Gorkhaland State since the 1980s. Earlier regional autonomous arrangements included the Darjeeling Gorkha Hill Council (1988) and the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA) (2011). A meeting on the issue was held in Siliguri under the chairmanship of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, with representatives of political parties from the region. The issues discussed included the identity of the Gorkha community, a permanent political solution and recognition under the Constitution of India.

NITI Aayog Report – Youth Employment and Training

According to a NITI Aayog report titled “Rebuilding the Capacity for a Developed India by 2047”, 8.7 crore youth aged 15–29 in India are neither studying, working nor undergoing training. The report is based on data from the 78th National Sample Survey (NSS) conducted in 2021. It noted that only 8.25% of graduates are employed in jobs matching their educational qualifications. The report highlighted the need for skill training, financial support and self-employment opportunities for youth. Since 2014–15, more than 7.67 crore people have received training, according to NITI Aayog.

Personalities, Awards and Events

Yamuna Floodplain Case – Supreme Court Order

The Supreme Court set aside the December 2017 order of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) holding the Art of Living Foundation responsible for damage to the Yamuna floodplains during the World Culture Festival held in 2016. A Bench comprising Justices Satish Chandra Sharma and N.K. Singh directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to refund ₹5 crore deposited by the foundation within four weeks. The appeal was filed by Vyakti Vikas Kendra India, associated with the Art of Living Foundation. The Supreme Court directed the DDA to continue rehabilitation work on the Yamuna floodplains in accordance with the directions issued by the NGT. The Court also noted that the floodplain was already damaged before it was handed over to the foundation and that relevant evidence had not been adequately considered by the NGT.

Yamuna World Culture Festival – Supreme Court Order

The Supreme Court set aside the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order imposing an environmental compensation of ₹5 crore on Sri Sri Ravi Shankar’s Art of Living Foundation for conducting the World Culture Festival in 2016 on the banks of the Yamuna River in Delhi. The foundation had deposited the ₹5 crore with the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) as directed by the NGT. The appeal was filed by Vyakti Vikas Kendra India, associated with the Art of Living Foundation. A Supreme Court Bench comprising Justices Satish Chandra Sharma and N.K. Singh directed the DDA to refund ₹5 crore to the foundation. The Court also directed the DDA to continue restoration work on the Yamuna floodplains in accordance with the directions of the NGT.

Science and Technology News

VIT 41st Convocation – AI and Research

The 41st Convocation of VIT University was held in Vellore, with Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta as the chief guest. The event highlighted the IndiaAI Mission, which promotes investments in sectors including semiconductors, robotics, space and defence. The ceremony saw degree certificates awarded to 11,276 students. VIT Chancellor G. Viswanathan and TCS Vice-President Babu Unnikrishnan also participated in the event. Earlier, Rekha Gupta inaugurated the Centre for Advanced Research on Bacteriophages and Infectious Diseases at VIT.

States’ News

Mangaluru Region to Join Mysuru Railway Division

The Railway Board has decided to detach the Mangaluru region from the Palakkad Division of Southern Railway and merge it with the Mysuru Division of South Western Railway from October 1, 2026. The change includes the Ullal–Mangaluru section, which is currently under Southern Railway. The Mangaluru region, particularly New Mangalore Port, contributes more than half of the annual revenue of the Palakkad Division, estimated at around ₹800 crore. V. Somanna, Minister of State for Railways, is associated with the railway reorganisation.

Tamil Nadu News

Madras Day: Chief Minister Extends Greetings

Madras Day is observed to commemorate the history of Chennai, formerly known as Madras. On August 22, Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay extended Madras Day greetings through a post on X (formerly Twitter). Chennai is known for its historical and cultural heritage and its importance in education, healthcare and technology.

TNMSC to Procure Assistive Devices for Differently Abled Persons

Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC) has, for the first time, undertaken the procurement of assistive devices and mobility aids for the Welfare of Differently Abled Persons Department, Tamil Nadu. Around 15 online tenders have been floated for rate contracts covering battery-operated wheelchairs, sewing machines, tricycles, hearing aids, reflective folding sticks, modular reading devices, electronic Braille readers and retrofitted petrol scooters. TNMSC was established to ensure the availability of essential drugs and medical supplies in government hospitals across Tamil Nadu through systematic procurement, storage and distribution. Its Memorandum of Association and Articles of Association permit procurement of assistive devices for requesting government departments and directorates.

School Management Committee (SMC) – New Members

The Tamil Nadu School Education Department has released procedures for selecting new members of School Management Committees (SMCs) in government schools for 2026–2028. SMCs were restructured in 2024 as 20-member committees comprising parents, teachers, local government representatives and alumni. The tenure of the existing committees is ending in August 2026. A parent awareness meeting is scheduled for August 29, 2026, followed by SMC restructuring in primary schools on September 12 and 19, middle schools on September 26, and high and higher secondary schools on October 10, 2026. The procedures were issued through a Government Order by P. Senthil Kumar, Secretary, School Education Department, Tamil Nadu.