Current Affairs — Sunday, 24 May 2026

Tamil Nadu

- Tamil Nadu Rejects Three-Language Policy, Stands Firm on Two-Language Formula — The TVK government under CM Vijay has categorically refused to adopt the three-language policy, citing cultural and federal concerns, despite the Union Government withholding Rs 3,500 crore in PM-SHRI scheme funds for two years.

- TN Education Minister Rajmohan: No Compromise on Two-Language Policy — Tamil Nadu's Education Minister stated the state will not bow to any indirect pressure from the Centre regarding its long-held two-language (Tamil + English) policy.

- Tamil Nadu Tells Supreme Court: Navodaya Schools Incompatible with Two-Language Policy — The state government argued before the Supreme Court that Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, which follow a three-language formula, conflict with Tamil Nadu's established language policy.

- Tamil Nadu Launches First-Ever Urban Greening Policy — The policy aims to boost climate resilience in urban areas and is the first of its kind in the state, targeting green cover expansion across Tamil Nadu's cities.

- MRF to Invest Rs 3,500 Crore in Tamil Nadu — CM Stalin launched multi-sector projects across the state, with tyre major MRF announcing a significant Rs 3,500 crore investment, signalling continued industrial growth in TN.

- Supreme Court Censures Freebie Schemes on Tamil Nadu's Plea — While hearing Tamil Nadu's plea against Centre's 'sustainable' electricity rules, the Supreme Court observed that freebies (largesse) hamper economic growth.

India — National

- Union Cabinet Approves Increase of Supreme Court Judges from 33 to 38 — The Cabinet cleared the proposal to add 5 more judges to the Supreme Court, addressing the judiciary's mounting case pendency crisis.

- Modi Government Introduces Three Delimitation Bills in Parliament — The bills, if passed, will reshape parliamentary and assembly constituency boundaries, with significant implications for southern states' representation.

- Supreme Court Collegium Recommends Judges for Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka High Courts — The collegium, led by the CJI, forwarded names for judicial appointments to strengthen bench strength at both High Courts.

- Supreme Court Holds Line Against Executive-Legislative Control Over Tribunals — In a significant constitutional ruling, the Supreme Court reaffirmed judicial independence by resisting attempts by the executive and legislature to control tribunal appointments and functioning.

- Tamil Nadu Moves Supreme Court Against Madras HC Order on Government Ads — The state challenged the Madras High Court order restraining use of living persons' names and ex-CMs' photos in government scheme advertisements.

- India Notifies Environment Audit Rules, 2025 — The Union Ministry of Environment notified new audit rules aimed at bolstering environmental compliance and governance across industries and public bodies.

Economy & Finance

- Budget 2026–27: Air Quality Management Outlay Cut by 10% — The Union Budget reduced allocation for air quality management and pollution control, raising concerns among environmentalists ahead of the monsoon season.

- Meghalaya's GSDP Growth Nearly Double the National Average — The state's Governor highlighted that Meghalaya's Gross State Domestic Product growth rate is significantly outpacing the national average, reflecting strong regional economic momentum.

- MRF's Rs 3,500 Crore Investment in Tamil Nadu — The announcement underlines continued private sector confidence in Tamil Nadu's industrial and manufacturing ecosystem under the new TVK government.

Science & Technology

(No direct Science & Technology headlines were present in today's feed. The following are contextually derived from related national items.)

- India's Green School Scheme Could Offset 91% of Government Institution Power Demand — A new study found that if Tamil Nadu's Green School Scheme is scaled up fully, it could meet 91% of electricity demand across government institutions in the state.

- India Targets Record Medal Haul at Asian Games with LA 2028 as Primary Goal — Indian sports authorities are aligning training and funding programs with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics as the key performance benchmark.

Environment

- State of India's Environment 2026 Report Highlights Rising Climate Risks — The report flags increasing wildlife conflicts, rising climate-related hazards, and critical gaps in pollution monitoring infrastructure across India.

- Tamil Nadu's Urban Greening Policy: A First for Any Indian State — The policy provides a framework for integrating green infrastructure into urban planning to address heat islands, flooding, and air quality in Tamil Nadu's cities.

- Budget 2026–27 Cuts Pollution Control Funding — A 10% reduction in air quality management outlay and dip in pollution control budgets raises concerns over India's ability to meet clean air targets.

Sports

- Cricket at LA 2028 Olympics Scheduled to Kick Off on July 12 — The International Olympic Committee confirmed that cricket matches at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics will begin on July 12, marking the sport's historic return to the Games after 128 years.

- India Eyeing Record Medal Haul at LA 2028 Olympics — India is targeting podium finishes in hockey, wrestling, badminton, and athletics, with the LA 2028 Games being the nation's most ambitious Olympic campaign yet.

- 2026 Winter Olympics Medal Tally: Norway Leads, Followed by Italy and USA — Norway continues to dominate the 2026 Winter Olympics medal count, with Italy and the United States close behind.

Appointments & Awards

- Justice M. Fathima Beevi, First Woman Judge of the Supreme Court of India, Passes Away — Justice Fathima Beevi, a trailblazer who became the first woman to be appointed to the Supreme Court of India, passed away, marking the end of a historic judicial legacy.

- Bhagat Singh Koshyari Awarded Padma Bhushan — The former Uttarakhand Chief Minister and Maharashtra Governor was conferred the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honours.

- Former CJI J.S. Khehar Receives Padma Award — Justice Jagdish Singh Khehar, former Chief Justice of India, was recognised with a Padma award; he is noted for judgments that often contradicted government positions.

- Justice Manikumar Appointed as New SHRC Chairman — Justice Manikumar has been named the new Chairman of the State Human Rights Commission, a key quasi-judicial appointment.

- SC Collegium Recommends Judges for HP and Karnataka High Courts — The Supreme Court Collegium forwarded fresh recommendations for judicial appointments to the High Courts of Himachal Pradesh and Karnataka.

International

- India–Norway Bilateral Relationship Elevated to Green Strategic Partnership — India and Norway upgraded their bilateral ties to a "Green Strategic Partnership," focusing on renewable energy, ocean cooperation, and sustainable development.

- 16th India–EU Summit Held in January 2026 — The summit, attended by the President of the European Council and European Commission, resulted in a joint statement reinforcing trade, technology, and strategic cooperation between India and the EU.

- India–Finland Joint Statement Signed During State Visit (March 2026) — The Finnish President's state visit to India (March 4–7, 2026) resulted in a joint statement covering bilateral cooperation in education, technology, and clean energy.