29 September 2026
The Reserve Bank of India placed on its website on 29 September 2026 the report of the Advisory Committee on Ways and Means Advances to State Governments.
The Committee was chaired by Shri I S N Prasad, former Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Karnataka.
Its terms of reference included a review of State-wise WMA limits and other financial accommodation facilities available to the States.
The Reserve Bank said the Committee has made various recommendations which shall be examined by it.
Ways and Means Advances are short-term advances the Reserve Bank gives a State to bridge temporary mismatches between its receipts and payments.
Committee Chairman:
Shri I S N Prasad
Released on:
September 29, 2026
Why it matters for exams: Centre-State financial arrangements and RBI committees are standard ground for PSC, UPSC and bank examinations.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
29 September 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 September 2026 congratulated Neeru Dhanda on winning gold in the women's trap event at the Asian Games.
She became the first Indian woman to win an individual gold in trap at the Asian Games, which the Prime Minister called a historic moment for the country to celebrate.
The Prime Minister said her exceptional accuracy and composure have brought immense pride to the nation.
He added that the win would encourage many more young sportspersons to take up shooting and aim for the highest honours.
Event:
Women's Trap
Medal:
Gold
Milestone:
First Indian woman to win individual trap gold at the Asian Games
Why it matters for exams: Asian Games gold medallists and their events are a recurring sports general-knowledge question.
Kerala PSCSSC
29 September 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 29 September 2026 congratulated Kiran Pahal, Poovamma MR, Prachi and Vithya Ramraj on winning gold in the women's 4x400m relay at the Asian Games.
The Prime Minister said their speed and determination powered India to the top of the podium.
He called it a proud moment for Indian athletics and a wonderful example of what teamwork can achieve.
Event:
Women's 4x400m Relay
Medal:
Gold
Why it matters for exams: Relay gold medallists at continental games are frequently asked in sports current affairs.
Kerala PSCSSC
29 September 2026
The Supreme Court on 29 September 2026 quashed the detention of Mulla Afroz under the National Security Act in connection with the Sambhal violence case.
The Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu imposed a cost of Rs 10 lakh on the Uttar Pradesh government.
The Court held that the detention order could not rest on a confession said to have been made while the detenu was in police custody.
It held that a mere possibility of the detenu becoming involved in crime again, without cogent material supporting that apprehension, cannot furnish a valid basis for preventive detention.
The Bench set aside the Allahabad High Court order that had upheld the detention.
Cost imposed:
Rs 10 lakh
Bench:
Justices Dipankar Datta and Sheel Nagu
Why it matters for exams: Preventive detention limits under the National Security Act are a core polity and rights topic.
Kerala PSCUPSC
28 September 2026
The Supreme Court said on 28 September 2026 that all wards in Punjab where a fact-finding commission found that violence took place during the municipal elections must go for re-election.
The Bench comprised Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana.
The fact-finding commission was headed by Justice Nirmaljit Kaur, a former judge of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
The matter arose in Seema Sharma v State of Punjab, SLP(C) No. 3894 of 2025, and connected cases.
Candidates had told the Court they were obstructed from filing nomination papers during the municipal polls.
Case:
Seema Sharma v State of Punjab, SLP(C) No. 3894/2025
Commission head:
Justice Nirmaljit Kaur
Why it matters for exams: Judicial oversight of local body elections links the 74th Amendment to State Election Commissions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
29 September 2026
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman met her Qatari counterpart Ali bin Ahmed Al Kuwari in Doha on 29 September 2026, on the sidelines of the AIIB annual meeting.
The two ministers discussed expanding India's UPI payment system across Qatar and strengthening financial cooperation.
They took up the implementation of Qatar's $10 billion investment commitment to India and greater engagement with the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund.
Finalisation of the Bilateral Investment Treaty and a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement was also discussed.
Sitharaman noted that recent high-level engagements had elevated India-Qatar relations to a strategic partnership.
Qatari investment commitment:
$10 billion
Venue:
Doha
Why it matters for exams: UPI internationalisation and India's investment treaties with Gulf partners are frequently examined economy topics.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
29 September 2026
The India-Kazakhstan joint military exercise KAZIND-2026 moved into its joint training phase at Oskemen in Kazakhstan on 29 September 2026.
The opening ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Regional Command East of the Armed Forces of Kazakhstan, Major General Zhenis Maralov, and the Defence Attache of India to Kazakhstan, Colonel Pankaj Vidyarthi.
Troops from both countries began coordinated training and interaction.
The stated aim is to strengthen bonds of camaraderie and mutual understanding through progressive joint training and tactical activities.
Location:
Oskemen, Kazakhstan
Indian Defence Attache:
Colonel Pankaj Vidyarthi
Why it matters for exams: Names of India's bilateral military exercises and the partner country are asked in almost every defence section.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
29 September 2026
Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister Manohar Lal launched a new set of initiatives under PRAGATI 50 on 29 September 2026.
PRAGATI 50 builds a Model City Framework for 50 cities selected across 24 states.
The cities were chosen for their economic, cultural, heritage, pilgrimage, tourism and administrative significance.
The initiative targets visible improvements in urban cleanliness, solid waste management, used water management, sanitation and citizen participation.
A Swachh Bharat Test Bed and Innovation Centre was launched at Durgapur in collaboration with the Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute.
A Reduce, Reuse and Recycle Centre was inaugurated at Sankalp Bhawan in New Delhi as part of Swachhata Hi Seva 2026.
Cities covered:
50
States represented:
24
Why it matters for exams: New urban missions and their targets are standard scheme questions for PSC and UPSC.
Kerala PSCUPSC
29 September 2026
The Supreme Court on 29 September 2026 raised concern over steep markups on cancer medicines at private hospitals and described the practice as carnage.
The Bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta suggested a uniform 16 per cent margin on all medicines.
The Bench asked the Centre to examine whether corporate hospitals require patients to buy medicines only from their own or designated pharmacies, and observed that such practices can impose a burden on patients and taxpayers, particularly when treatment is covered under government schemes.
It also questioned the pricing of non-scheduled medicines, which constitute a substantial share of the market, and said the issue would be examined thoroughly.
The petitions concern regulation of medicine prices, generic prescriptions and medical devices under the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013.
The matter was posted for further hearing on 12 October.
Margin suggested:
16 per cent
Next hearing:
October 12
Why it matters for exams: Drug price control under the DPCO and the role of the NPPA are recurring health and governance questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
29 September 2026
The Indian Navy's guided-missile frigate INS Tarkash arrived at Mombasa Port in Kenya on 29 September 2026 for an operational turnaround.
The port call runs until 2 October 2026.
It includes professional exchanges, interactions between the crews and community outreach, and the ship will be open to visitors.
On departure INS Tarkash will carry out a Passage Exercise with the Kenya Navy.
The deployment is in line with India's MAHASAGAR vision for the Western Indian Ocean region.
Ship:
INS Tarkash
Port:
Mombasa, Kenya
Why it matters for exams: Naval port calls, ship names and India's Indian Ocean outreach doctrines are asked in defence sections.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Reserve Bank of India was established on April 1, 1935 in accordance with the provisions of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934. The Central Office was initially established in Kolkata but was permanently moved to Mumbai in 1937. Though originally privately owned, since nationalisation in 1949 the Reserve Bank is fully owned by the Government of India. As the monetary authority it formulates, implements and monitors monetary policy, with the objective of maintaining price stability while keeping in mind the objective of growth.
Established:
April 1, 1935
Founding Act:
Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
Central Office moved permanently to Mumbai:
1937
Nationalised:
1949
Why it matters for exams: Founding Act, headquarters shift and nationalisation of the central bank are staple questions in bank, SSC and UPSC papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSCBank
Background
The Securities and Exchange Board of India was constituted as a non-statutory body on April 12, 1988 through a resolution of the Government of India. It was established as a statutory body in the year 1992, and the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992) came into force on January 30, 1992. The Preamble describes its basic functions as to protect the interests of investors in securities and to promote the development of, and to regulate the securities market.
Constituted as non-statutory body:
April 12, 1988
Statute:
Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992)
Act came into force:
January 30, 1992
Why it matters for exams: Origin, statute and Preamble of the capital-market regulator are recurring questions in bank and civil services exams.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSCBank
Background
The Lokpal of India was established by virtue of Section 3 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 coming into force on 16.01.2014. Its Foundation Day is therefore observed on 16 January. The Chairperson described it as an autonomous, independent and sui generis institution, born of a transformative civil society movement demanding an Ombudsman to combat corruption. The Chief Justice of India, at the same function, noted that Anna Hazare led one of the largest public movements against corruption.
Established under:
Section 3 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013
Came into force:
16.01.2014
Foundation Day:
16 January
Why it matters for exams: Section and Act under which the anti-corruption ombudsman was set up is a common polity question.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was set up under the direct charge of the Prime Minister through a Presidential Order on August 3, 1954. As per this order, all businesses of the Government of India related to Atomic Energy and to the functions of the Central Government under the Atomic Energy Act, 1948 were to be transacted in the Department. The Atomic Energy Commission, with full executive and financial powers, was set up by a Government resolution dated March 1, 1958. The Atomic Energy Commission is responsible for formulating the policy of the Department of Atomic Energy.
DAE set up by Presidential Order:
August 3, 1954
Atomic Energy Commission set up:
March 1, 1958
Related Act:
Atomic Energy Act, 1948
Why it matters for exams: The origin of India's nuclear administration and the DAE-AEC relationship are standard science and polity facts.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Union Cabinet approved the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) in the rank of a four-star General, with salary and perquisites equivalent to a Service Chief. Under the same decision the CDS heads the Department of Military Affairs (DMA), to be created within the Ministry of Defence, and functions as its Secretary. The DMA deals with the Armed Forces of the Union (Army, Navy and Air Force), the Integrated Headquarters of the Ministry of Defence, the Territorial Army and works relating to the Army, the Navy and the Air Force. The CDS is the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and Principal Military Adviser to Raksha Mantri on all tri-Services matters, and will not exercise any military command, including over the three Service Chiefs.
Rank:
Four-star General
Heads:
Department of Military Affairs
Also:
Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee
Advises:
Raksha Mantri, as Principal Military Adviser on tri-Services matters
Why it matters for exams: Role, rank and limits of the CDS, and the DMA's mandate, are frequently asked in defence and polity questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Ministry of Home Affairs lists these Central Armed Police Forces: Assam Rifles (AR), Border Security Force (BSF), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), National Security Guard (NSG) and Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB). They are listed on the Ministry of Home Affairs website.
Ministry:
Ministry of Home Affairs
Forces listed:
AR, BSF, CISF, CRPF, ITBP, NSG, SSB
Why it matters for exams: Which forces are listed as Central Armed Police Forces by the Ministry of Home Affairs is a standard security and polity question.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
According to the PIB backgrounder on Biosphere Reserves released on 3 November 2025, India has 18 notified Biosphere Reserves covering approximately 91,425 sq. km, of which 13 are recognized by UNESCO's World Network of Biosphere Reserves (WNBR). Biosphere Reserves are recognised under UNESCO's Man and Biosphere (MAB) Programme. In September 2025, the Cold Desert Biosphere Reserve in Himachal Pradesh was included in the network. The Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Biosphere Reserves helps reduce biotic pressure on core biodiversity zones, with special emphasis on buffer and transition zones.
Notified Biosphere Reserves (per PIB backgrounder):
18
Area covered:
91,425 sq. km
Recognised by UNESCO's WNBR (per PIB backgrounder):
13
Why it matters for exams: Counts of notified versus UNESCO-recognised reserves (as given in the PIB backgrounder) and the MAB Programme are asked in environment papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
India is one of the Contracting Parties to the Ramsar Convention, signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971. India signed it on 1st Feb 1982. Kanjirankulam Bird Sanctuary is a Protected area near Mudukulathur, Ramanathapuram District, Tamil Nadu, declared in 1989. It is listed among the wetlands designated as Ramsar sites in the release. It is a nesting site for migratory heron species, and the site qualifies as an IBA as the threatened Spot-billed Pelican breeds there.
Convention signed at:
Ramsar, Iran
India signed on:
1st Feb 1982
Kanjirankulam declared:
1989
Why it matters for exams: Treaty details and named wetlands are commonly asked in environment sections.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
India was placed under a state of Emergency under Article 352 of the Constitution between 25 June 1975 and 21 March 1977. At that time, Article 352 allowed the President to declare Emergency on three grounds: war, external aggression, or internal disturbance. The 44th Constitutional Amendment in 1978 replaced "internal disturbance" with "armed rebellion". Article 358 suspended protections under Article 19, while Article 359 allowed the state to suspend enforcement of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 21, and 22.
National Emergency:
Article 352
Effect on Article 19:
Article 358
Enforcement of rights suspended:
Article 359
Ground replaced:
internal disturbance to armed rebellion
Why it matters for exams: Emergency provisions and the 44th Amendment safeguards are perennial polity questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Goods and Services Tax Council was made possible by the 101st Constitution Amendment Act, 2016, which received assent on 8th of September, 2016. As per Article 279A(1) of the Constitution, the Council had to be constituted by the President within 60 days of the commencement of the Constitution (One Hundred and First) Amendment Act, 2016. The notification bringing Article 279A into force with effect from 12th September, 2016 was issued on 10th September, 2016. As per Article 279A(2), the Council consists of the Union Finance Minister, the Union Minister of State in charge of Revenue or Finance, and the Minister in charge of Finance or Taxation or any other Minister nominated by each State Government. The Secretary (Revenue) is the Ex-officio Secretary to the GST Council, and the Chairperson, Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, is a permanent invitee (non-voting) to all proceedings. Where a proposal is put to vote, the vote of the Central Government has a weightage of one-third of the total votes cast and the votes of all the State Governments taken together have a weightage of two-thirds, and the proposal is carried only if the total weighted votes in favour are equal to or greater than three-fourths. The GST Council Secretariat has its office in New Delhi and is manned by officers taken on deputation from both the Central and State Governments. The first meeting of the GST Council was held on 22nd and 23rd September, 2016.
Constitutional provision:
Article 279A
Enabling amendment:
101st Constitution Amendment Act, 2016
Weightage of the Central Government's vote:
one-third of the total votes cast
Weightage of all State Governments together:
two-thirds of the total votes cast
Majority needed to carry a proposal:
three-fourths of the weighted votes
Why it matters for exams: The Council's article, its composition and the one-third / two-thirds / three-fourths voting arithmetic are standard fiscal-federalism questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank