24 September 2026
Chief Minister V D Satheesan inaugurated the valedictory function of the World Maritime Day celebrations in Kochi on 24 September 2026.
He spoke on 'Mission Samudra', the state's initiative to turn Kerala into a port city and an international maritime hub, which the government had launched in August 2026.
He announced that June 19 will be observed every year as 'Kerala Maritime Day'.
An Admiralty Court will be set up in Kochi for maritime law disputes and arbitration, along with a maritime academy.
The mission plans to integrate Kerala's two international ports and 18 mini ports, including the inland port at Kottayam.
Cochin airport's cargo capacity is to rise from 1.25 lakh tonnes to five lakh tonnes; India's first oceanarium and a maritime museum are planned in Kochi.
Kerala Maritime Day:
June 19
Mini ports to be integrated:
18
Coastline cited:
600 km
Cochin airport cargo target:
five lakh tonnes
Why it matters for exams: A new state observance day, a proposed Admiralty Court and the blue-economy push are typical Kerala PSC current-affairs points.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Admiralty Court Court with admiralty (maritime) jurisdiction — A court that hears disputes about ships, cargo, collisions and other maritime claims.
Blue economy Ocean-based economy — Economic activity that uses ocean and coastal resources sustainably.
Muziris Ancient port near present-day Kodungallur — An ancient Kerala port linked to Roman and Arab trade.
24 September 2026
Chief Minister V D Satheesan addressed the 32nd Annual General Meeting of Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) in Kochi on 24 September 2026.
CIAL launched Aviation Consultancy and Expert Services (ACES), a new division offering airport planning, runway development, cargo, ground handling and commercial services.
The first CIAL ACES project is the passenger verification system at Durgapur Airport in West Bengal.
The AGM approved a 55% dividend to shareholders.
CIAL recorded total revenue of Rs 1,220 crore and a profit of Rs 502 crore in 2025-26, handling 73,134 aircraft movements and 1.14 crore passengers.
The CM also inaugurated the Bridge Mounted Equipment (BME) service that supplies electricity to parked aircraft.
Dividend approved:
55%
Revenue 2025-26:
Rs 1,220 crore
Profit 2025-26:
Rs 502 crore
Passengers 2025-26:
1.14 crore
Why it matters for exams: CIAL is India's first airport built under the public-private participation model, and its results and new ventures recur in Kerala PSC questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
CIAL Cochin International Airport Limited — The company that owns and runs the airport at Nedumbassery near Kochi.
ACES Aviation Consultancy and Expert Services — CIAL's new division that sells airport consultancy to other airports.
AGM Annual General Meeting — The yearly meeting at which a company's shareholders approve accounts and dividends.
24 September 2026
Chief Minister V D Satheesan inaugurated the 13th edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM 2026) in Kochi on 24 September 2026.
He said the state has set a target of five million foreign tourist footfall and 100 million domestic tourist arrivals in five years.
In 2025 Kerala recorded 8,21,999 foreign tourist visits, up 11.33 per cent over 2024, and 2,50,58,366 domestic tourist visits, up 12.64 per cent.
The government has approved a cruise terminal at Cochin Port, and another is planned at Kozhikode.
The CM said the government is considering acquiring permanent venues for the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK).
Tourism Minister P C Vishnunadh said KTM 2026 had more than 3,000 buyer registrations and more than 400 seller stalls.
KTM edition:
13th
Foreign tourist visits 2025:
8,21,999
Growth in foreign visits:
11.33 per cent
Domestic tourist visits 2025:
2,50,58,366
Why it matters for exams: Tourism arrival figures, growth rates and flagship events such as KTM and the Biennale are standard Kerala PSC data points.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
KTM Kerala Travel Mart — A trade fair where Kerala's tourism sellers meet buyers from India and abroad.
IFFK International Film Festival of Kerala — The state's annual international film festival held in Thiruvananthapuram.
Kochi-Muziris Biennale — A contemporary art exhibition held in Kochi every two years.
24 September 2026
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) executed agreements on 24 September 2026 to acquire a 23 per cent equity stake in Conoship International Holding BV of the Netherlands.
The deal comprises a Share Purchase Agreement and a Shareholders' and Cooperation Agreement.
The stake costs 2.3 million euros; CSL put the expense at Rs 25.10 crore.
The acquisition is meant to help CSL enter the European green coastal and short-sea shipping market.
The two firms will jointly explore alternative fuels for short-sea vessels, coastal shipping and inland waterways.
The transaction has DIPAM clearance, followed board approval in January 2026, and is expected to be completed within two months.
Stake acquired:
23 per cent
Price:
2.3 million euros
Expense stated by CSL:
Rs 25.10 crore
Target company:
Conoship International Holding BV
Why it matters for exams: Kochi-based CSL is India's largest public sector shipyard; its overseas acquisitions link to the maritime and green-shipping agenda.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
CSL Cochin Shipyard Limited — A public sector shipbuilder headquartered in Kochi.
DIPAM Department of Investment and Public Asset Management — Union finance ministry department that manages government equity in public sector companies.
Short-sea shipping — Movement of cargo by sea over short distances along coasts, without crossing oceans.
24 September 2026
India won silver in the mixed 4x400m relay at the Asian Games on 24 September 2026.
The team of T S Manu, M R Poovamma, Vishal T K and Vithya Ramraj clocked 3 minutes 14.46 seconds.
Bahrain won gold in a Games-record 3:12.87.
Manu is a native of Karinkanikunnu near Muttil in Wayanad district.
The result was confirmed after the UAE, which had lodged a protest, was disqualified.
India has now won a medal in the event at all three editions in which it has been held: gold in 2018 and silver at Hangzhou in 2023.
India's time:
3:14.46
Gold:
Bahrain (3:12.87)
Manu's district:
Wayanad
Why it matters for exams: Medal winners from Kerala at the Asian Games, with event, timing and district, are frequent Kerala PSC sports questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Mixed 4x400m relay — A relay in which two men and two women each run one 400-metre lap.
23 September 2026
Soorya Krishnamoorthy, cultural organiser and former chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, died at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram on the evening of 23 September 2026.
Born Nataraja Krishnamoorthy, he studied engineering at TKM College of Engineering, Kollam, and worked as a scientist with ISRO.
He founded the Soorya Festival in 1977; it grew into one of the longest-running cultural festivals in Asia.
He also served as director of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation (KSFDC).
He received the Kerala Prabha award, among the state's highest civilian honours, and the National Award for Stage Craft and Direction in 1996.
He wrote the screenplay of the 2011 Malayalam film Melvilasom, based on his own play.
Soorya Festival founded:
1977
Former post:
Chairman, Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi
State honour:
Kerala Prabha
Why it matters for exams: Founders of major cultural institutions, their awards and works are routine Kerala PSC 'persons in news' questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Kerala Prabha — The second tier of the Kerala Puraskaram, the state's civilian honours.
KSFDC Kerala State Film Development Corporation — State body that promotes film production and runs theatres in Kerala.