26 September 2026
Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant inaugurated the country's first Victim Rights Centre at the Bihar State Legal Services Authority campus in Patna. The centre works on the model of one centre, one file and one point of accountability, giving victims access to compensation, legal aid, medical assistance, counselling, protection and rehabilitation through a single caseworker. A transgender helpline was launched at the event. Multi-utility vehicles were flagged off to carry legal aid to villages. It is a twelve-month pilot covering Patna district under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Location:
Bihar State Legal Services Authority, Patna
Model:
One centre, one file, one point of accountability
Pilot duration:
Twelve months
Statute:
Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987
Why it matters for exams: Access to justice and victim-centric reform, tied to the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Kerala PSCUPSC
26 September 2026
Minister of State for Science and Technology Dr Jitendra Singh unveiled five new popular science magazines in Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali and Assamese. They are published by CSIR-NIScPR, the CSIR National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research. The launch took place on the 85th Foundation Day of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research. The Ministry said the aim is to make credible and engaging scientific knowledge accessible to readers in their own languages and to highlight regional scientific achievements.
Magazines launched:
Five
Languages:
Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, Bengali, Assamese
Publisher:
CSIR-NIScPR
Occasion:
85th Foundation Day of CSIR
Why it matters for exams: CSIR, its institutes and science-communication initiatives are common science-and-technology institutions questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
24 September 2026
The Reserve Bank of India imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2.70 lakh on KLM Axiva Finvest Limited by an order dated September 22, 2026. The RBI found that the company had failed to pay the surplus amount realised from the auction of pledged gold articles, over and above the loan outstanding, to certain borrowers. The penalty was imposed under Section 58-G(1)(b) read with Section 58-B(5)(aa) of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. It followed a statutory inspection with reference to the company's financial position as of March 31, 2025, a show-cause notice, the company's reply and a personal hearing.
Penalty:
₹2.70 lakh
Order date:
September 22, 2026
Provision:
Section 58-G(1)(b) read with Section 58-B(5)(aa), RBI Act, 1934
Inspection reference date:
March 31, 2025
Why it matters for exams: Shows how the RBI enforces its directions on NBFCs, including gold loan auction rules, under the RBI Act, 1934.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
16 September 2026
The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved raising the EPFO wage ceiling from Rs.15,000 to Rs.25,000 per month. The earlier ceiling of Rs.15,000 dates from September 2014. Over 51 lakh additional employees are expected to come under mandatory EPFO coverage. The annual Government outgo is estimated at about Rs.11,339 crore against existing budgetary support of about Rs.10,250 crore, and the estimated expenditure over five years is about Rs.56,696 crore. EPFO has around 7.98 crore contributing members across about 7.68 lakh establishments, and the EPS provides pensions to around 82 lakh pensioners.
New wage ceiling:
Rs.25,000 per month
Earlier ceiling:
Rs.15,000 per month (September 2014)
Additional employees covered:
Over 51 lakh
Five-year expenditure:
Rs.56,696 crore
Why it matters for exams: Social security coverage, the EPF and EPS schemes and Cabinet decisions on labour policy are staple exam topics.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSCBank
29 September 2026
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J. P. Nadda addressed the inaugural event of Aarogya Manthan 2026 in New Delhi on 25 September 2026. The event marks eight years of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and five years of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. Mr Nadda said the treatment of 90 per cent of cancer cases starts within thirty days under the scheme, that around 13 crore patients have been treated so far and that nearly two lakh crore rupees have been disbursed by the National Health Authority. Ayushman Bharat is now implemented in all 36 States and Union Territories. He presented awards to best-performing States and Union Territories under both schemes and launched the National Healthcare Providers Registry Mobile App and the Secure Data Environment application.
AB PM-JAY:
Eight years
ABDM:
Five years
Patients treated:
Around 13 crore
Implemented in:
All 36 States and Union Territories
Why it matters for exams: Anniversaries, coverage figures and digital-health launches under AB PM-JAY and ABDM are regular current-affairs questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
29 September 2026
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar co-chaired the India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Troika Ministerial Meeting in New York on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. In a social media post, he said the meeting reviewed progress of the India-GCC Joint Action Plan 2024-28 and discussed ways to advance the partnership. He welcomed the launch of negotiations for the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement. India looks forward to strengthening ties in trade, investment, energy, food security, health, new technologies, culture and people-to-people exchanges. Dr Jaishankar also reiterated India's strong commitment to freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers and commercial shipping.
Meeting:
India-GCC Troika Ministerial Meeting, New York
Plan reviewed:
Joint Action Plan 2024-28
Held alongside:
81st Session of the UN General Assembly
Why it matters for exams: India-GCC ministerial mechanisms, the Joint Action Plan and FTA talks are frequent international-relations topics; the Gulf is central to Kerala's expatriate economy.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
29 September 2026
Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal laid the foundation stone on 26 September 2026 for a 150 Tonnes Per Day capacity E-Methanol plant at Deendayal Port Authority in Kutch district. Mr Sonowal said the plant will create numerous employment opportunities across the country. He noted Gujarat's historic role in India's maritime sector spanning over five thousand years and said Kandla ranks as the seventh-largest port globally. Mr Patel said Deendayal Port is a crucial maritime gateway for the nation and is rapidly being developed into a Green Hydrogen hub.
Plant capacity:
150 Tonnes Per Day
Location:
Deendayal Port Authority, Kutch district
Kandla's global rank (as stated):
Seventh-largest port
Why it matters for exams: Green-fuel projects at major ports and the ministers and locations involved are typical economy and infrastructure current-affairs questions.
UPSCSSC
Background
As per clause (1) of article 280 of the Constitution, the Finance Commission is to be constituted every fifth year or earlier.
It recommends the distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or may be, divided between them, and the allocation between the States of their respective shares.
It recommends the principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India under article 275.
Its third term of reference is the measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats and Municipalities in the State.
The Sixteenth Finance Commission is chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya.
Smt. Annie George Mathew and Dr. Manoj Panda are full-time Members; Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser of SBI, is a Member; Mr T Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, is a part-time Member.
The Advance Cell of the 16th FC was formed in the Ministry of Finance on 21.11.2022 to oversee preliminary work.
A Finance Commission normally takes about two years to make its recommendations.
Constitutional provision:
article 280
Interval of constitution:
every fifth year or earlier
Chairman, 16th Finance Commission:
Dr. Arvind Panagariya
Advance Cell formed:
21.11.2022
Why it matters for exams: The Finance Commission's constitutional basis and terms of reference are a standing favourite in Kerala PSC and UPSC polity and economy papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
NITI Aayog was constituted through a resolution of the Union Cabinet dated 1st January 2015.
It serves as the Government of India's apex policy think tank, mandated to provide directional and policy inputs.
Besides formulating long-term strategies, policies and programmes for the Government of India, it offers strategic and technical advice to the Centre, State Governments and Union Territories.
It functions as an institutional platform to foster cooperative federalism by facilitating collaborative engagement among the States in pursuit of national development objectives.
Its first stated objective is to evolve a shared vision of national development priorities, sectors and strategies with the active involvement of States.
It is to foster cooperative federalism through structured support initiatives and mechanisms with the States on a continuous basis, recognizing that strong States make a strong nation.
It is also to ensure, on areas specifically referred to it, that the interests of national security are incorporated in economic strategy and policy.
Another objective is to pay special attention to the sections of society that may be at risk of not benefiting adequately from economic progress.
Constituted by:
a resolution of the Union Cabinet dated 1st January 2015
Character:
apex policy think tank of the Government of India
Guiding phrase:
strong States make a strong nation
Why it matters for exams: NITI Aayog's founding instrument, its think-tank character and its cooperative-federalism mandate are directly asked in Kerala PSC and UPSC polity papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Department of Space and ISRO Headquarters are at Bengaluru.
Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and the ISRO Inertial Systems Unit (IISU) are at Thiruvananthapuram.
Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR is at Nellore and the ISRO Propulsion Complex (IPRC) at Mahendragiri.
U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC), the Human Space Flight Centre (HSFC), the ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) and the Laboratory for Electro-Optics Systems (LEOS) are at Bengaluru.
Space Applications Centre (SAC) is at Ahmedabad, the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) at Hyderabad and the Master Control Facility (MCF) at Hassan.
The Indian Institute of Remote Sensing (IIRS) is at DehraDun.
IN-SPACe is at Ahmedabad; the two Central Public Sector Enterprises under the Department are Antrix Corporation Limited and NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), both at Bengaluru.
The autonomous bodies are the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) at Thiruvananthapuram, the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory (NARL) at Tirupathi, the North Eastern-Space Applications Centre (NE-SAC) in Ri Bhoi District and the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) at Ahmedabad.
Department of Space and ISRO HQ:
Bengaluru
Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC) SHAR:
Nellore
Master Control Facility (MCF):
Hassan
CPSEs under the Department:
Antrix Corporation Limited, NewSpace India Limited (NSIL)
Why it matters for exams: Matching ISRO centres to their cities is a recurring one-mark question in Kerala PSC and SSC papers, and Kerala hosts four of them.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Jal Jeevan Mission is run by the Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, through the National Jal Jeevan Mission.
Its vision is that every rural household has drinking water supply in adequate quantity of prescribed quality on a regular and long-term basis at affordable service delivery charges.
Its core objective is to provide a Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC) to every rural household, and functional tap connections to schools, Anganwadi centres, GP buildings, health centres, wellness centres and community buildings.
FHTCs are prioritised in villages in drought prone and desert areas and in Sansad Adarsh Gram Yojana (SAGY) villages.
Retrofitting of completed and ongoing schemes is supported to provide FHTCs at a minimum service level of 55 lpcd.
Supported components include development of in-village piped water supply infrastructure, development or augmentation of reliable drinking water sources, bulk water transfer, treatment plants and distribution networks, technological interventions for removal of contaminants, and greywater management.
The mission promotes voluntary community ownership through contribution in cash, kind and/or labour and voluntary labour (shramdaan).
The mission's stated target was a Functional Tap Connection (FHTC) by 2024 for every rural household.
Ministry:
Ministry of Jal Shakti
Implementing department:
Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation
Minimum service level on retrofitting:
55 lpcd
Core deliverable:
Functional Household Tap Connection (FHTC)
Why it matters for exams: FHTC, the 55 lpcd service level and the ministry that runs Jal Jeevan Mission are frequently asked in Kerala PSC and UPSC scheme questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The National Green Tribunal was established on 18.10.2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
It exists for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources, including enforcement of legal rights relating to the environment and relief and compensation for damages to persons and property.
The Tribunal is mandated to endeavour to dispose of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing.
It is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, nor by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and is guided by principles of natural justice; it is, however, vested with the powers of a civil court for discharging its functions.
Section 19 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 gives the Tribunal power to regulate its own procedure.
The NGT was set up at five places of sittings and follows a circuit procedure; New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are the other four.
The Tribunal identifies necessary parties under statutes mentioned in Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010 and requires them to respond by email.
It entertains letter petitions, and a complaint can be filed even without an advocate.
Established on:
18.10.2010
Statute:
National Green Tribunal Act 2010
Disposal mandate:
within 6 months of filing
Principal Place of Sitting:
New Delhi
Other places of sitting:
Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai
Why it matters for exams: The NGT's founding statute, its five places of sitting and the six-month disposal norm are standard Kerala PSC and UPSC environment-and-polity questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Central Information Commission was constituted with effect from 12-10-2005 under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The jurisdiction of the Commission extends over all Central Public Authorities.
Its powers and functions are mentioned in sections 18, 19, 20 and 25 of the RTI Act, 2005.
These broadly relate to adjudication in second appeal for giving information, and direction for record keeping and suo motu disclosures.
They also cover receiving and enquiring into a complaint on inability to file an RTI application, and the levy of penalties.
Monitoring and reporting, including preparation of an Annual Report, is another function.
The decisions of the Commission are final and binding.
Constituted with effect from:
12-10-2005
Statute:
Right to Information Act, 2005
Jurisdiction:
all Central Public Authorities
Powers under sections:
sections 18, 19, 20 and 25
Why it matters for exams: The CIC's date of constitution, its jurisdiction and the finality of its decisions are asked directly in Kerala PSC and UPSC governance papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
As per the provisions of the RBI Act, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) consists of six members: three Members from RBI and three are appointed by the Central Government.
The Central Government constitutes the Committee in exercise of the powers conferred by section 45ZB of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India is Chairperson, ex officio.
The Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India in charge of Monetary Policy is a Member, ex officio.
One officer of the Reserve Bank of India, to be nominated by the Central Board, is a Member, ex officio.
The Members appointed by the Central Government hold office for a period of four years, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
In the reconstitution notified by the Government, the three appointed Members were Prof. Ram Singh of the Delhi School of Economics, Shri Saugata Bhattacharya, Economist, and Dr. Nagesh Kumar of the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, New Delhi.
Total members:
six members
From RBI:
three Members from RBI
Enabling provision:
section 45ZB of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
Term of appointed Members:
a period of four years
Why it matters for exams: The MPC's six-member structure, the enabling section of the RBI Act and the four-year term of external members are core Kerala PSC, UPSC and bank exam facts.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
Background
Tiger conservation in India is coordinated by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which functions under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, stated that the number of tigers (3682) and tiger reserves (58) has seen a remarkable increase in the last 12 years.
He added that the number of elephant reserves, national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, protected areas, community reserves and wetlands has also increased during the same period.
NTCA organises the Global Tiger Day celebrations; the 2026 event was held in New Delhi with Union MoS Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh also present.
An NTCA Eco-tourism webpage was launched to bring information on all Tiger Reserves onto an integrated platform, with direct links to authentic Tiger Reserve websites for safari and accommodation bookings.
The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) was cited for taking big-cat knowledge sharing to the world.
Publications released included the NTCA Outreach Journal STRIPES and the Security Audit Report of 24 Tiger Reserves.
NTCA Awards honour contributions to tiger conservation and protected area management.
Tigers:
3682
Tiger reserves:
58
Nodal authority:
National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)
Security Audit Report covers:
24 Tiger Reserves
Why it matters for exams: The count of tiger reserves, the tiger population figure and the NTCA's role are perennial Kerala PSC and UPSC environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC