Background
César Milstein was born on 8 October 1927 in Bahia Blanca, Argentina.
He shared the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1984 with Niels K. Jerne and Georges J.F. Köhler, receiving one third of the prize.
The citation was for theories concerning the specificity in development and control of the immune system and the discovery of the principle for production of monoclonal antibodies.
He worked at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, United Kingdom, and died there in 2002.
With Köhler he developed a method for fusing tumour cells with antigen-immune cells to produce antibodies of a single type.
Born:
8 October 1927, Bahia Blanca, Argentina
Prize:
Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 1984
Prize share:
1/3
Co-laureates:
Niels K. Jerne, Georges J.F. Köhler
Why it matters for exams: Nobel laureates by country and the discoveries behind each prize are regular questions in awards and science sections.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Monoclonal antibodies — Identical antibodies, all of one type, made by a single line of cells.
3 October 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated Kumkum Anil Mohod on becoming the first Indian woman to win the Recurve Individual Gold at the 2026 Asian Games. He singled out her composure in the decisive shoot-off. In a separate message on 3 October, the Prime Minister congratulated the Indian Men's Cricket Team on retaining their Gold medal at the Asian Games, calling it a joyous occasion for the nation. Both messages were released by the Prime Minister's Office through PIB.
Archery gold:
Kumkum Anil Mohod, Recurve Individual
Cricket:
Men's team retains Gold
Why it matters for exams: Sports results and 'first Indian' records are regular questions in the awards and sports section.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Shoot-off Shoot-off — The tie-breaking round in archery when scores are level.
Background
The Nobel Prize announcements are made in October each year, and the prize in economic sciences stands apart from the rest. The Nobel Prize organisation's own pages record that in 1968 Sveriges Riksbank, Sweden's central bank, established the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. The prize is based on a donation received by the Nobel Foundation in 1968 from Sveriges Riksbank on the occasion of the bank's 300th anniversary. The prize amount is the same as for the Nobel Prizes and is paid by the Riksbank. The first prize in economic sciences was awarded to Ragnar Frisch and Jan Tinbergen in 1969. The prize is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, according to the same principles as for the Nobel Prizes that have been awarded since 1901.
Established:
1968, by Sveriges Riksbank
Occasion of the donation:
The bank's 300th anniversary
First laureates:
Ragnar Frisch and Jan Tinbergen, 1969
Awarding body:
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm
Why it matters for exams: A standing trap in awards questions is to call the economics prize a Nobel Prize established by Alfred Nobel's will; the founder, the awarding body and the first laureates are all examinable.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
In plain words
Sveriges Riksbank Sveriges Riksbank — Sweden's central bank, which funded and gave its name to the prize in economic sciences.
2 October 2026
Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan laid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat on Gandhi's birth anniversary.
He paid tributes to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat on Shastri's birth anniversary, which falls on the same day, and recalled his call of Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan.
The Vice President also paid tributes to Thiru K. Kamaraj at Upa-Rashtrapati Bhavan on Kamaraj's death anniversary.
He described Kamaraj as a true people's leader who expanded education for underprivileged children, implemented mid-day meal schemes and built roads, irrigation dams and industrial estates that laid the foundation of Tamil Nadu's economic development.
He said Gandhi's legacy of truth and non-violence and his belief in the dignity of every individual call for a reaffirmed commitment to a just, harmonious and inclusive society.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi at Rajghat and to Lal Bahadur Shastri at Vijay Ghat the same day, saying their lives of simplicity, courage and service to the nation continue to inspire generations.
Gandhi memorial:
Rajghat
Shastri memorial:
Vijay Ghat
Kamaraj tribute venue:
Upa-Rashtrapati Bhavan
Why it matters for exams: Examiners regularly ask which memorial belongs to which leader, and which two national figures share a birth anniversary on 2 October.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
In plain words
Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan — Lal Bahadur Shastri's slogan honouring the soldier and the farmer.
1 October 2026
Three blood centres in Malappuram district won six State awards from the Kerala State Blood Transfusion Council, presented in Thiruvananthapuram on October 1, 2026, National Voluntary Blood Donation Day, by Health Minister K. Muraleedharan. The blood centre at Manjeri Government Medical College took two awards, for the highest collection through voluntary donation camps in the medical college category and for implementing the Blood Bag Traceability Project. The Perinthalmanna District Hospital blood bank took three awards, for the highest voluntary donation at the district hospital level with 12,885 units, for organising the most camps with 255 camps yielding 8,262 units, and for the second phase of the Blood Bag Traceability Project. The Nilambur District Hospital blood bank came first among district hospitals in implementing the traceability project. The traceability system records every stage from collection to transfusion so that each blood bag can be traced back.
Awards to Malappuram centres:
6
Perinthalmanna voluntary donation:
12,885 units
Camps organised at Perinthalmanna:
255 camps, 8,262 units
Why it matters for exams: National Voluntary Blood Donation Day and the State Blood Transfusion Council recur in Kerala PSC health and awards questions.
Kerala PSC
In plain words
KSBTC Kerala State Blood Transfusion Council — The State body that regulates and supports blood banks and voluntary donation in Kerala.
Blood Bag Traceability Blood Bag Traceability Project — A record system that tracks a blood bag from collection to the patient who receives it.
1 October 2026
The International Chess Federation published its October 2026 rating list on 1 October 2026.
Bodhana Sivanandan of England became the youngest Woman Grandmaster in history at the age of 11, after gaining 28 rating points at the 46th Chess Olympiad in Samarkand.
Nodirbek Abdusattorov returned to the top five of the open list with a rating of 2780.
Zhu Jiner reclaimed second place on the women's list after scoring 9 points at the Olympiad.
The biggest gains on the list were by Mariam Mkrtchyan of Armenia, up 47 points to 2421, and Mobina Alinasab of Iran, also up 47 points to 2364, followed by Elnaz Kaliakhmet of Kazakhstan, up 36 points to 2383.
Savitha Shri B of India gained 23 points at the Olympiad to cross 2400, and is now rated 2405.
Youngest Woman Grandmaster:
Bodhana Sivanandan (England), aged 11
Rating points gained at Samarkand:
28
Abdusattorov's rating:
2780
Savitha Shri B's rating:
2405
Why it matters for exams: A world record in a recognised international federation's own rating list is the kind of dated fact set in sports and awards questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
In plain words
WGM Woman Grandmaster — A lifetime chess title awarded by FIDE, below Grandmaster, earned through norms and a rating threshold.
Elo rating Elo rating — The numerical strength rating used in chess, updated from results against other rated players.
1 October 2026
The Nobel Prize announcements for 2026 run from 5 to 12 October. Physiology or Medicine is announced on Monday 5 October at 11:30 CEST at the earliest, Physics on Tuesday 6 October at 11:45 CEST at the earliest and Chemistry on Wednesday 7 October at 11:45 CEST at the earliest. Literature follows on Thursday 8 October at 13:00 CEST at the earliest and the Peace Prize on Friday 9 October at 11:00 CEST. The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel is announced on Monday 12 October at 11:45 CEST at the earliest.
Physiology or Medicine:
Monday, 5 October, 11:30 CEST at the earliest
Physics:
Tuesday, 6 October, 11:45 CEST at the earliest
Chemistry:
Wednesday, 7 October, 11:45 CEST at the earliest
Literature:
Thursday, 8 October, 13:00 CEST at the earliest
Peace:
Friday, 9 October, 11:00 CEST
Economic Sciences:
Monday, 12 October, 11:45 CEST at the earliest
Why it matters for exams: The Nobel Prize categories, their order of announcement and the separate status of the economics prize are frequently asked.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
In plain words
CEST Central European Summer Time — The summer time zone used in Sweden and much of Europe, two hours ahead of Coordinated Universal Time.
Background
António José Seguro is the President of the Portuguese Republic. He won the presidential election in a second round on 8 February 2026 and his inauguration took place in the Assembleia da República on 9 March 2026, when the term of his predecessor Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa ended. The Portuguese Government's portal records Prime Minister Luís Montenegro wishing him the greatest success and expecting loyal and productive cooperation between institutions.
Election:
Second round, 8 February 2026
Inauguration:
9 March 2026, Assembleia da República
Predecessor:
Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa
Why it matters for exams: Heads of state change; the current officeholder and who they succeeded are standard questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Assembleia da República Assembly of the Republic — Portugal's national parliament.
Background
The official government portal lists Luís Montenegro as Prime Minister, with the period in office shown as running from 2025-06-05 to the current date. It describes him as leader of the Social Democrats (PSD) since 28 May 2022. He was born in Porto on February 16, 1973 and holds a law degree from Universidade Católica Portuguesa. The portal is that of the XXV Constitutional Government.
Party:
Social Democrats (PSD)
Government:
XXV Constitutional Government
Born in:
Porto
Why it matters for exams: Head of government is a recurring question; Portugal's PM is distinct from its President.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
PSD Partido Social Democrata — The Social Democrats, the party Montenegro leads.
30 September 2026
King Mohammed VI appointed Fatima Zahra Mansouri, 50, as prime minister of Morocco on 29 September 2026. She is the first woman to hold the post in Morocco and the second in the Arab world after Tunisia's Najla Bouden. She belongs to the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), which won 97 of the 395 seats in the legislative elections held the previous week, short of the 198 needed for a majority. Mansouri was previously urban planning minister and mayor of Marrakesh. Her first task is to build a governing coalition.
Seats won by PAM:
97 of 395
Majority mark:
198
Why it matters for exams: First woman prime minister of Morocco: a standard pointer for world politics and women in leadership.
Kerala PSCUPSC
29 September 2026
The 2026 Nobel Peace Prize will be announced on Friday 9 October at 11:00 am at the Norwegian Nobel Institute, Henrik Ibsens gate 51, Oslo.
The announcement will be made by Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee.
The 2026 Nobel Prize announcements run from 5 to 12 October 2026.
The Peace Prize is the only Nobel Prize awarded and announced in Norway; the prizes in physiology or medicine, physics, chemistry, literature and economic sciences are announced in Sweden.
Announcement:
Friday 9 October, 11:00 am
Venue:
The Norwegian Nobel Institute, Henrik Ibsens gate 51, Oslo
Announced by:
Jorgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee
Why it matters for exams: The Nobel Peace Prize and the Norwegian Nobel Committee are recurring awards questions in every major exam.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
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
Background
In 1968, Sveriges Riksbank (Sweden's central bank) established the Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel.
It is based on a donation to the Nobel Foundation from the Riksbank on the occasion of the Bank's 300th anniversary.
The prize amount is the same as for the Nobel Prizes and is paid by the Riksbank.
The first prize was awarded in 1969 to Ragnar Frisch and Jan Tinbergen.
It is awarded by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, Stockholm, according to the same principles as the Nobel Prizes awarded since 1901.
Established by:
Sveriges Riksbank, 1968
Awarded by:
Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences
First winners (1969):
Ragnar Frisch and Jan Tinbergen
Why it matters for exams: The economics prize is technically not one of Alfred Nobel's original prizes; its founder, first winners and awarding body are classic questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSCBank
Background
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) has its seat in The Hague, Netherlands.
It was established when the Chemical Weapons Convention entered into force on 29 April 1997.
There are 193 OPCW Member States, countries that have signed the Convention.
The OPCW won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its extensive efforts to eliminate chemical weapons.
Seat:
The Hague, Netherlands
Convention in force:
29 April 1997
Member States:
193
Nobel Peace Prize:
2013
Why it matters for exams: Another international body seated at The Hague; its convention date and Nobel award are common facts questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
27 September 2026
The Lalit Kala Akademi has announced 20 Lalit Kala Akademi Awards at the 65th National Exhibition of Art.
The First-Tier Jury selected 270 artworks for presentation at the exhibition.
6,175 artworks were submitted by 2,495 artists representing 27 States and Union Territories.
The Lalit Kala Akademi is the national academy of art under the Ministry of Culture.
Awards announced:
20
Artworks selected:
270
Artworks submitted:
6,175
Artists:
2,495 from 27 States and Union Territories
Why it matters for exams: The three national academies and the awards they give are recurring questions on India's cultural institutions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
26 September 2026
India won silver in the women's 50m rifle three positions team event at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan on Saturday, 26 September 2026.
The team of Tilottama Sen, Vidarsa K Vinod and Ashi Chouksey scored 1763.
China won gold with a Games record 1773 and Kazakhstan took bronze with 1754.
Kozhikode-based Vidarsa qualified sixth for the individual final with 588; Tilottama Sen qualified with 590.
It was Vidarsa's second medal of the Games, after silver in the 10m air rifle team event.
In the individual final, Tilottama Sen finished fourth and Vidarsa Vinod fifth, with Jiayu Han of China winning gold.
India's team score:
1763
Gold:
China, 1773 (Games record)
Bronze:
Kazakhstan, 1754
Vidarsa's qualification score:
588
Why it matters for exams: Medals won by Kerala athletes at major multi-sport events are a staple of Kerala PSC sports questions.
Kerala PSCSSC
In plain words
Rifle three positions — A shooting event fired from the kneeling, prone and standing positions.
26 September 2026
Sawan Barwal won silver in the men's marathon at the Asian Games on 26 September 2026. The Prime Minister's Office said the run set a new National Record. It is India's first medal in the event in over four decades. It is also the country's first-ever Asian Games marathon medal won outside India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated him on the achievement.
Event:
Men’s Marathon
Medal:
Silver
Record:
National Record
Why it matters for exams: Record-setting and first-time medals at the Asian Games are frequently asked sports facts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
26 September 2026
The Department of Cultural Affairs and Cinema announced new office-bearers for seven State cultural institutions.
Poet and writer Kalpetta Narayanan is the Chairman of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, with writer and journalist M P Surendran as Secretary.
Singer and composer G Venugopal is the Chairman of the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi, with Hemanthkumar as Vice-Chairman and N V Pradeepkumar as Secretary.
Actor and film festival curator Ravindran heads the Kerala State Chalachitra Akademi, with actor Priyanka Nair as Vice-Chairperson.
Premkumar is the Chairman of the Kerala State Film Development Corporation, with Alleppey Ashraf as Vice-Chairman, and film producer M Ranjith chairs the Kerala Cultural Workers Welfare Fund Board.
Prakash Moorthy is the Chairman of the Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, with T R Udaya Kumar as Vice-Chairman, and Suresh Babu Elayavoor chairs the Kerala Folklore Akademi with Sreeraman Koyyon as Vice-Chairman.
Kerala Sahitya Akademi Chairman:
Kalpetta Narayanan
Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi Chairman:
G Venugopal
Kerala Lalithakala Akademi Chairman:
Prakash Moorthy
Why it matters for exams: Heads of the State akademis are a recurring who-holds-what question in Kerala PSC general knowledge papers.
Kerala PSC
In plain words
KSFDC Kerala State Film Development Corporation — The State body that runs theatres and studios and supports film production in Kerala.
26 September 2026
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy took part in the inauguration of the Dr Manmohan Singh Memorial Park and the unveiling of his statue at Wipro Circle in the Financial District, Hyderabad.
The Chief Minister said Dr Singh's signature on the Telangana formation bill has been preserved at the memorial.
He listed Dr Singh's laws, including the Right to Education Act, Right to Information Act, Food Security Act and the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.
He urged Telangana MPs to raise the demand for the Bharat Ratna and a national memorial in Delhi.
Location:
Wipro Circle, Financial District, Hyderabad
Preserved at memorial:
Signature on Telangana formation bill
Why it matters for exams: Memorials, the Telangana formation bill and the laws of the UPA era are linked exam topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Bharat Ratna Bharat Ratna — India's highest civilian honour.
25 September 2026
On 25 September 2026, Thai sprinter Puripol Boonson won the men's 100m gold at the 20th Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
He clocked 9.90 seconds in the final at Nagoya City Mizuho Park Athletic Stadium.
In the semi-final he ran 9.91, breaking Su Bingtian's Games record; he lowered it again in the final.
The 9.90 moved him to second on the Asian all-time list.
Oman's Ali Al Balushi took silver in 10.04.
He became Thailand's first Asian Games champion in the event for 48 years, after Anat Ratanapol in 1974 and Suchart Jairsuraparp in 1978.
Winning time:
9.90 seconds
Semi-final time:
9.91
Silver:
Ali Al Balushi (Oman), 10.04
Why it matters for exams: Asian Games hosts, record-setting champions and medal events are standard sports questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC