Daily Current Affairs - 27-08-2026

International News

Nepal–Tibet Border Flash Flood: 157 Dead, Over 750 Missing

Flash Floods in Nepal–Tibet Border Region: A flash flood occurred in the Bote Koshi River in Rasuwa district, Nepal, near the Nepal–Tibet border, resulting in 157 deaths and more than 750 people missing, including 133 Indians, of whom 37 were from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Severe damage was reported in 7 districts, including Rasuwa, Nuwakot and Dhading. In Nuwakot, 8 hydroelectric projects and 5 newly constructed projects were damaged, affecting a total generation capacity of 354 MW, while a 42-km road connecting Nuwakot and Betrawati was washed away. Satellite analysis indicated that the flood was triggered by the collapse of glaciers/ice rocks into the Lende Khola River, with an earthquake in Tibet reported at the same time. Around 500 passengers were swept away, including Indians, tour operators and 44 Nepal Army personnel, while 59 Indian pilgrims returning from the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra were also reported missing. Nepal Army, Armed Police Force and Nepal Police deployed 12 helicopters and 5 drones for search and rescue operations, and 95 bodies had been recovered from the affected areas. In Tibet’s Shigatse region, 3 deaths and 250 missing persons were reported. Ram Chandra Poudel, President of Nepal, is the country’s head of state, and the Indian Embassy in Nepal issued emergency contact numbers for tracing missing Indian nationals.

National News

India’s First Hydrogen Train Completes 6,000 km Journey

India’s first hydrogen-powered train, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has completed 6,000 km while operating between Jind and Sonipat in Haryana. The train has 10 coaches with a passenger capacity of 2,600 and is equipped with a 3,200 HP propulsion system, making it the world’s most powerful hydrogen-powered train and the longest operational hydrogen train in service. Hydrogen fuel technology used in the train produces water vapour as the by-product and has reduced approximately 36,444 kg of CO₂ emissions compared with conventional Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU) trains, which emit about 6.074 kg of CO₂ per kilometre. The development supports India’s target of achieving Net-Zero Carbon Emissions by 2030.

Citizenship Rules and Legal Developments in India

On 13 July 2026, in the Sabitri Dey vs Union of India case, the Supreme Court quashed 27 orders of the Gauhati High Court concerning illegal immigration and reaffirmed protection under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution. Articles 5, 6 and 11 deal with citizenship, while the Citizenship Act, 1955 provides for citizenship by birth, descent, registration and naturalisation. The Assam Accord and Section 6A of the Citizenship Act contain provisions relating to migration in Assam based on 1966 and 1971. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2003 introduced provisions relating to illegal migrants and prescribed conditions for citizenship by birth for persons born after 2003. The Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 2015 exempted specified persecuted minority communities from Bangladesh and Pakistan from being treated as illegal migrants. The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, 2019 (CAA) provided a special route to citizenship for specified communities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan and reduced the naturalisation residence requirement from 11 years to 5 years. The National Register of Citizens (NRC) was first implemented in Assam under the 2003 legal framework. The Supreme Court also recognised citizenship as being connected with political and representation rights.

Science and Technology News

DRDO Successfully Tests Military Combat Parachute System in Ladakh

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted an operational test of the Military Combat Parachute System (MCPS) at the Nyoma-Mudh drop zone in Leh district, Ladakh. The test was carried out at an altitude of 22,000 feet above sea level under extreme cold conditions of −15°C. Wing Commander Rahul Jha, Chief Test Jumper, along with Chief Warrant Officers R.J. Singh and Vivek Tiwari, participated in the test. The team used indigenous subsystems including a para-computer, oxygen system and specialised suits. The parachute opened at 20,000 feet, and the team landed safely at 13,700 feet above sea level. The test demonstrated the performance, reliability and military operational suitability of the MCPS under extreme high-altitude and cold-weather conditions and contributed to self-reliance in defence technology.

Tamil Nadu News

World Tamil Conference to Be Held in Tamil Nadu

On the occasion of the 143rd birth anniversary of Thiru. Vi. Kalyanasundaranar (Thiru.Vi.Ka.), School Education and Tamil Development Minister Rajamogan paid tribute to his portrait at the Directorate of Tamil Development, Egmore, Chennai. The World Tamil Conference is proposed to be conducted in Tamil Nadu as a regular traditional event, with an official announcement to be made by the Chief Minister. The conference will be coordinated through a high-level committee for obtaining necessary permissions related to its conduct in different countries. During the tenure of former Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi, the World Classical Tamil Conference was conducted in Tamil Nadu. The government is also considering expanding the annual January events for diaspora Tamils from the existing two-day format to a multi-day programme. V. Rajaraman, Secretary, Information Department, Maheswari Ravikumar, Director, Art and Culture Department, and N. Arul, Director, Tamil Development Department, were present at the event.

PSTM Reservation Benefit Limited to Once

Tamil Nadu Governor R.V. Arlekar gave his assent on 6 August 2026 to the Tamil Nadu Amendment Bill, 2026 concerning preferential government appointments for persons who studied in Tamil medium (PSTM). Under the amended provision, the existing 20% PSTM preferential reservation can be availed by an individual only once; persons who have already secured government employment through the PSTM quota cannot claim the benefit again. The amendment was notified in a Special Gazette dated 11 August 2026 by B. Sumathi, Secretary, Tamil Nadu Law Department. The amendment does not apply to direct recruitment notifications issued before 11 August 2026. To claim the 20% PSTM benefit, candidates must have studied in Tamil medium from Class 1 up to the educational qualification prescribed for the post.