Background
The 73rd Amendment 1992 added a new Part IX to the constitution titled The Panchayats, covering provisions from Article 243 to 243(O), and a new Eleventh Schedule covering 29 subjects within the functions of the Panchayats. It implements article 40 of the DPSP, under which the State shall take steps to organise village panchayats and endow them with such powers and authority as may be necessary to enable them to function as units of self-government. Part IX provides for a 3 tier Panchayat system at the village level, intermediate level and district level, but states with a population below 20 Lakh were given an option to not to have the intermediate level. Gram Sabha is a body consisting of all the persons registered in the electoral rolls relating to a village comprised within the area of Panchayat at the village level, and it is the only permanent unit in Panchayati Raj system. Seats are reserved for SCs and STs in proportion to their population at each level, and out of the total number of seats to be filled by the direct elections, 1/3rd have to be reserved for women. A clear term for 5 years has been provided for the Panchayats, and where a Panchayat is dissolved earlier the elections must take place before expiry of 6 months of the dissolution. Article 243F fixes 21 years as the minimum age to become a member of the Panchayat, and Article 243K provides for constitution of a State Election Commission in respect of the Panchayats. The provisions of part IX are not applicable to the entire states of Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram.
Part added to the Constitution:
Part IX, Article 243 to 243(O)
Schedule added:
Eleventh Schedule, 29 subjects
Directive Principle implemented:
article 40 of the DPSP
Term of a Panchayat:
5 years
Minimum age for membership:
21 years, under Article 243F
States to which Part IX does not apply:
Nagaland, Meghalaya and Mizoram
Why it matters for exams: Which Part, which Schedule, how many subjects, the term, the minimum age and the exempted states are the exact points asked on rural local government.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Raja Mircha, also referred to as king chilli, is a Geographical Indications (GI) product of Nagaland. It got GI certification in 2008. The chilli from Nagaland is also referred to as Bhoot Jolokia and Ghost pepper. Nagaland King Chilli belongs to the genus Capsicum of the family Solanaceae. Naga king chilli has been considered as the world's hottest chilli and is constantly on the top five in the list of the world's hottest chilies based on the Scoville Heat Units (SHUs). The first consignment of fresh King Chilli exported from Nagaland to London, via Guwahati by air, was sourced from Tening, part of Peren district, Nagaland. That export was coordinated by APEDA in collaboration with the Nagaland State Agricultural Marketing Board (NSAMB).
GI certification:
2008
Other names:
Bhoot Jolokia, Ghost pepper
Genus and family:
Capsicum, Solanaceae
Source of first London consignment:
Tening, Peren district
Why it matters for exams: GI products by State and the Scoville scale are regular questions, and Naga king chilli is the standard Nagaland GI example.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
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 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) was hosted by India at the India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida, from 2nd to 13th September 2019.
It witnessed widespread participation from over 9000 participants from across the globe.
Country parties agreed to make the Sustainable Development Goal target of achieving land degradation neutrality by 2030 a national target for action.
Through the Delhi Declaration, ministers expressed support for new initiatives or coalitions aiming to improve human health and well-being, the health of ecosystems, and to advance peace and security.
The Union Environment Minister committed to provide effective leadership to the UNCCD during India's two-year tenure of Presidentship, and called for synergy between all three Rio Conventions.
COP14 ended after 11 days of meetings, 11 high-level, 30 committee and over 170 stakeholder meetings, 145 side-events and 44 exhibitions.
Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw is the Executive Secretary of UNCCD.
Venue:
India Expo Centre & Mart, Greater Noida
Dates:
2nd to 13th September 2019
Participants:
over 9000 participants
Key outcome:
Delhi Declaration; land degradation neutrality by 2030 as a national target
UNCCD Executive Secretary:
Mr. Ibrahim Thiaw
Why it matters for exams: UNCCD COP14's venue, dates, the Delhi Declaration and India's two-year Presidency are frequently asked together.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Champhai district was established on 12th December, 1997, and the first Deputy Commissioner's office began functioning on 22nd April 1998. The district covers 3,185.83 sq km in the north east corner of Mizoram and its headquarters, Champhai Town, is 194 km from Aizawl. It is bounded by Manipur in the north and by Myanmar in the east and south. According to the 2011 Census its population is 127,660. The district has three sub-divisions, Champhai, Ngopa and Khawzawl, and four blocks, Champhai, Khawzawl, Ngopa and Khawbung. The Champhai valley is described as the rice bowl of Mizoram. Rihdil Lake is only about 50 kms away from the town of Champhai.
Date established:
12th December, 1997
Area:
3,185.83 sq km
Population, 2011 Census:
127,660
Distance from Aizawl:
194 km
Why it matters for exams: India-Myanmar border districts and the Rihdil lake are frequently asked in Northeast geography questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
28 September 2026
Union Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said central teams will visit Karnataka and Maharashtra for a ground assessment of drought conditions.
He was speaking at the two-day National Agriculture Conference - Rabi Campaign 2026 in New Delhi.
A central team will undertake the ground assessment in Karnataka on 3 October, and another team will be sent to Maharashtra.
He said nearly two-thirds of Maharashtra has been affected and the state has declared drought, while Karnataka is facing drought-like conditions.
He said Maharashtra, Karnataka, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh should prepare crop plans based on water availability and soil moisture, with separate strategies for rainfed and irrigated areas.
He recommended promoting pulses and oilseeds in fallow areas after paddy cultivation.
States to be assessed:
Karnataka and Maharashtra
Karnataka visit:
3 October
Area of Maharashtra affected:
Nearly two-thirds
Occasion:
National Agriculture Conference - Rabi Campaign 2026, New Delhi
Why it matters for exams: Central drought assessment teams and crop planning advice link agriculture policy with disaster relief mechanisms.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Lakadong turmeric, grown in Meghalaya, has been registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) under Class 30, covering agricultural goods. The application, numbered 741, was filed by the Director of Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya, on 15 February 2021. The product's registration status is recorded as 'Registered', with the certificate issued on 30 March 2024 and the registration valid up to 14 February 2031.
GI application number:
741
GI class:
Class 30 (Agriculture)
Applicant:
Director of Horticulture, Government of Meghalaya
Registration valid till:
14 February 2031
Why it matters for exams: Meghalaya's GI-tagged agricultural produce such as Lakadong turmeric are frequently asked in Kerala PSC and UPSC current-affairs sections on geographical indications.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Wayanad was formed as Kerala's 12th district on 1 November 1980, carved out of parts of Kozhikode and Kannur districts. It comprises three taluks - Mananthavady, Sulthan Bathery and Vythiri - with Kalpetta as the district headquarters. The district lies on a plateau within the Western Ghats, at elevations between 700 and 2,100 metres above mean sea level, bordering Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Wayanad ranks first among Kerala's districts in both pepper cultivation and coffee plantation, and its cash crops - pepper, cardamom, coffee, tea and other spices - make agriculture the principal occupation of its people. The district has no railway line. The name Wayanad is derived from 'Vayal Nadu', meaning the land of paddy fields, and the district is described as having a mainly tribal-oriented culture.
District formed:
1 November 1980 (12th district)
Headquarters:
Kalpetta
Why it matters for exams: District formation dates, headquarters and crop rankings of Kerala's districts are a recurring objective-question theme in Kerala PSC exams.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
PM-MKSSY's aquaculture insurance initiative provides a structured framework of risk coverage against disease, floods and climatic variability for aquaculture farmers. India's total fish production increased from 9.6 million tonnes in 2013-14 to a record 19.8 million tonnes in 2024-25, a growth of over 106%. India is the second-largest fish producing nation in the world, with about 8% share. Aquaculture now accounts for over about 74% of India's total fish production, and inland production reached 14.74 million tonnes in 2024-25 from 6.1 million tonnes in 2013-14. India's marine product exports rose from USD 5.08 billion in 2013-14 to USD 8.46 billion in 2025-26, with frozen shrimp alone accounting for nearly 66% of total seafood export earnings. The fisheries sector provides livelihoods to over 30 million people. India has 1.95 lakh km of rivers and canals, 31.5 lakh hectares of reservoirs, 22.1 lakh hectares of ponds and tanks, and 14.1 lakh hectares of brackish water area, of which only about 17% has been developed for aquaculture. Average aquaculture productivity has risen to 4.77 tonnes per hectare against a government target of 5 tonnes per hectare under PMMSY.
India's rank in fish production:
Second-largest, about 8% share
Total fish production:
19.8 million tonnes (2024-25)
Aquaculture share:
over ~74% of total fish production
Marine product exports:
USD 8.46 billion (2025-26)
Livelihoods:
over 30 million people
Aquaculture productivity:
4.77 tonnes per hectare
Why it matters for exams: India's rank in world fish production, the aquaculture share of output and marine export values are recurring economy and agriculture questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
27 September 2026
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying announced on 27 September 2026 that the Livestock Insurance Portal will be launched in New Delhi the next day.
Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh will launch the portal.
The portal will be a single, integrated digital platform for livestock insurance, covering policy issuance, claim processing, monitoring and reporting for animals covered under the Livestock Insurance Scheme.
It will be available in 11 regional languages in addition to Hindi and English.
Launch date:
28 September 2026
Languages:
11 regional languages in addition to Hindi and English
Department:
Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying
Why it matters for exams: Scheme questions pair the Livestock Insurance Scheme with the ministry that runs it and the digital platform built for it.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
26 September 2026
The Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (FAMA) chairman Abang Ahmad Kerdee Abang Masagus said on 26 September that FAMA plans to buy selected agro-food products and store them as buffer stocks.
The stocks cover about 34 types of products, including red chillies, green chillies, cabbage, onions, chicken and beef.
FAMA formed a special committee two months earlier to prepare for El Nino.
MetMalaysia director-general Mohd Hisham Mohd Anip had put the probability of El Nino reaching the "very strong" or "Super El Nino" category between October and December at more than 90 per cent.
FAMA has warehouses, including cold storage, in every state.
Types of products:
34
El Nino probability cited:
more than 90 per cent
Why it matters for exams: El Nino and food-security responses are linked topics in geography and economy papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
FAMA Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority — Malaysia's federal agency for marketing agricultural produce.
El Nino El Nino — A periodic warming of the central and eastern tropical Pacific that disturbs rainfall patterns.
MetMalaysia Malaysian Meteorological Department — Malaysia's national weather and climate agency.
26 September 2026
Union Minister for Home Affairs and Cooperation Amit Shah inaugurated initiatives of the National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF) at Kundara, near Kollam, on 26 September 2026.
He released the logo of 'Vanitham – She Mart Store', a women-led cooperative marketing venture, and launched NCCF's new 'Jana' brand products.
Sales of Bharat Atta and Bharat Rice and of onions at subsidised prices were launched, and free mini-seed kits were given to women farmers.
Shah said NCCF will open more than 25,000 retail outlets and that the blue economy holds immense potential for Kerala's cooperative sector.
According to Asianet Newsable, Shah said She-Mart will grow into a network of 300 outlets across Keralam, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and noted that Kerala has more than 23,000 cooperatives.
Union Minister of State Suresh Gopi and State Ministers M. Liju and P.C. Vishnunadh attended.
Venue:
Kundara, near Kollam
Organisation:
National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India (NCCF)
NCCF retail outlets planned:
more than 25,000
She-Mart network planned:
300 outlets
Cooperatives in Kerala:
more than 23,000
Why it matters for exams: Cooperative-sector institutions such as NCCF, the Ministry of Cooperation and the blue economy are frequent UPSC and Kerala PSC topics.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
In plain words
NCCF National Cooperative Consumers' Federation of India — The national apex body of consumer cooperatives, which also sells subsidised essentials such as Bharat Atta.
Blue economy — Economic activity based on oceans, coasts and other water resources, such as fisheries and shipping.
Sahkar se Samriddhi Prosperity through cooperation — The Union government's guiding slogan for the cooperative sector.
26 September 2026
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu inaugurated and laid foundation stones of 21 development projects worth Rs 136.25 crore in Mandi district. The projects cover the Balh, Nachan, Mandi Sadar and Karsog Assembly constituencies. They were launched at Kansa ground in Balh during his one-day visit to the district. The works relate to road connectivity, drinking water, healthcare, education, rural development and administrative infrastructure. They include metalling and tarring of the Chandyal-Pipli-Kuthwari-Kandi-Tarapur-Kharsi-Mansa Mata Mandir-Dola Tikkar road at a cost of Rs 10.73 crore.
Number of projects:
21
Total value:
Rs 136.25 crore
Constituencies:
Balh, Nachan, Mandi Sadar, Karsog
Chandyal-Pipli-Dola Tikkar road work:
Rs 10.73 crore
Why it matters for exams: State Focus questions often ask about district-level investment and the constituencies it covers.
UPSC
26 September 2026
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced changes in the eligibility criteria of the 'Mukhya Mantri Ka Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana'. He spoke at a public meeting at Kansa Chowk in Balh Assembly constituency of Mandi district. The mandatory requirement of completing one day of MGNREGA work to receive benefits will be removed. The annual family income limit will be raised from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000. Eligible women above the age of 21 will receive a monthly pension of Rs 1,500. He also said recruitment to 800 posts of police constables would be held soon.
Scheme:
Mukhya Mantri Ka Apna Parivar Sukhi Parivar Yojana
Family income limit:
Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000
Monthly pension for eligible women above 21:
Rs 1,500
Police constable posts to be filled:
800
Why it matters for exams: State welfare schemes and their eligibility rules are asked in State Focus and governance questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
MGNREGA Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act — The central law guaranteeing wage employment to rural households.
26 September 2026
Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma dedicated 1,452 development works worth Rs 924 crore in seven districts of Udaipur division at Pratapgarh on 26 September 2026. Of these, 423 projects worth over Rs 256 crore were inaugurated and the remaining 1,029 received foundation stones. He launched the 'Vangiri' brand for tribal forest produce, said 530 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras have been established in eight districts, and said 1.90 lakh government posts have been filled.
Works:
1,452
Total value:
Rs 924 crore
Works inaugurated:
423 (over Rs 256 crore)
Van Dhan Vikas Kendras:
530
Why it matters for exams: State tribal-development schemes, the Van Dhan programme and project outlays are common state-level current-affairs questions.
UPSCSSC
25 September 2026
An alert from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), reported by the UN on 25 September 2026, warned of worsening food security in Sudan.
El Niño threatens to bring 30 to 40 per cent less rainfall than usual.
Farmers, pastoralists and fishing communities in regions largely reclaimed by Government forces from the RSF are at risk.
FAO's support includes vaccinating livestock and giving goats to displaced women-headed households.
An FAO drought-resistant seed project turned an initial $17 million outlay into sorghum crops worth more than $500 million.
FAO needs $193 million for Sudan this year and is only 23 per cent funded.
Expected rainfall shortfall:
30 to 40 per cent
FAO requirement for Sudan this year:
$193 million
Share funded:
23 per cent
Seed project outlay / sorghum value:
$17 million / more than $500 million
Why it matters for exams: Links El Niño, a recurring climate phenomenon in geography papers, with the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and the role of FAO.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
FAO Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations — UN agency on food and agriculture; headquartered in Rome.
RSF Rapid Support Forces — Paramilitary force fighting Sudan's army since April 2023.
25 September 2026
The 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026 concluded at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, on 25 September 2026. It was held from September 22–25 under the theme "Climate Resilient Water Management". Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Patil chaired the valedictory ceremony. He listed three takeaways: people's participation in water conservation, taking science and technology to the ground, and stronger international and institutional cooperation. He said the next phase of the Jal Jeevan Mission, launched in 2019, must ensure adequate, regular, safe and sustainable drinking water services.
Edition:
9th
Dates:
September 22–25
Theme:
Climate Resilient Water Management
Venue:
Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi
Why it matters for exams: The India International Water Week, its theme and the Jal Jeevan Mission are regularly asked under water resources and schemes.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
JJM Jal Jeevan Mission — The Union scheme launched in 2019 to provide household tap water connections in rural India.
25 September 2026
The Ministry of Rural Development will roll out Deen Dayal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) 2.0 training batches across most States/UTs from October 2026.
In 24 States/UTs, 2,015 batches involving around 70,000 rural youth are expected to begin training in October 2026.
Allocations of 5.6 lakh targets to more than 1,200 projects have been made by 24 States/UTs on the DDU-GKY 2.0 portal.
The 31 participating States/UTs have been allocated more than 9 lakh targets for 2026-28.
DDU-GKY is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme of placement-linked skill training for poor rural youth, lasting 3 to 12 months.
States must allocate targets to Project Implementing Agencies by 31 October 2026.
Rural youth starting Oct 2026:
around 70,000
Batches:
2,015
Targets 2026-28:
more than 9 lakh
Why it matters for exams: DDU-GKY is a flagship rural skilling scheme often asked in Kerala PSC and UPSC prelims.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
DDU-GKY Deen Dayal Upadhyaya-Grameen Kaushalya Yojana — The Ministry of Rural Development's placement-linked skilling scheme for poor rural youth.
PIA Project Implementing Agency — An agency that runs the training and placement under the scheme.
25 September 2026
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched the 'Sambandh' statewide membership drive for Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) and LAMPCS at OUAT Krushi Shiksha Sadan, Bhubaneswar, on 25 September 2026. Online core banking using the National PACS Software was launched across 300 PACS, and 66 appointments were issued. The state cited a Minimum Support Price of ₹3,100 per quintal for paddy. The release states that Odisha has become the first state in the country to formulate its own Cooperative Policy 2026; the drive follows the Centre's 'Sahakar Se Samruddhi' vision.
Paddy MSP cited:
₹3,100 per quintal
PACS on online core banking:
300
Appointments issued:
66
Why it matters for exams: Cooperative policy, PACS digitisation and MSP figures are frequent in state and rural-economy questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
24 September 2026
Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil and Netherlands Vice Minister Jaap Slootmaker chaired a bilateral meeting on the Strategic Partnership on Water at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The meeting was held on the sidelines of the 9th India International Water Week (IIWW) 2026.
Two tripartite MoUs were signed between the Central Water Commission (CWC), the Kalpasar Department of the Government of Gujarat, and the Dutch institutions Deltares and TU Delft.
The Kalpasar Project envisages a freshwater reservoir using runoff from the Sabarmati, Mahi and Dhadhar rivers, supplemented by water from the Narmada.
A Letter of Intent for technical cooperation had been signed on 16 May 2026, after the Prime Minister's visit to the Netherlands.
The Afsluitdijk in the Netherlands was cited as a useful parallel.
MoUs signed:
Two Tripartite Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs)
Dutch partners:
Deltares and TU Delft
Letter of Intent:
16 May 2026
Why it matters for exams: Kalpasar, the Gulf of Khambhat and India-Netherlands water ties are typical bilateral and geography questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
CWC Central Water Commission — India's apex technical body for water resources under the Ministry of Jal Shakti.
Afsluitdijk Afsluitdijk — A closure dam in the Netherlands, nearly 100 years old, now being renewed.