Background
Alappuzha is the smallest district of Kerala and has a contiguous coastline of 82 km.
The place is called the 'Venice of the East', an expression credited to Lord Curzon, the then Viceroy.
The present town owes its existence to Diwan Rajakesavadas in the second half of the 18th century.
Kuttanad, the rice bowl of Kerala, lies below sea level.
Water bodies make up 13% of the district, and it has no high land or forest area.
Coastline:
82 km
Water bodies:
13% of the district
Nickname:
Venice of the East
Why it matters for exams: Alappuzha's distinctions (smallest district, no forest, Kuttanad below sea level) are classic district-profile questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Kerala has four elephant reserves, all established in 2002: Wayanad, Nilambur, Anamudi and Periyar.
Wayanad covers 1,200 sq km across Wayanad, Kannur and Kozhikkode districts.
Nilambur covers 1,419 sq km across Malappuram, Kozhikkode and Palakkad districts.
Anamudi covers 3,728 sq km across Thrissur, Palakkad, Ernakulam and Idukki districts.
Periyar covers 3,742 sq km across Idukki, Kollam, Pathanamthitta and Thiruvananthapuram districts.
Together the reserves cover 10,089 sq km of the state.
Elephant numbers recorded in 2012 were Wayanad 1,155, Nilambur 1,044, Anamudi 2,220 and Periyar 1,758.
The reserves aim to safeguard elephant corridors and reduce human-wildlife conflict.
Number of elephant reserves:
4
Largest reserve (Periyar):
3,742 sq km / 3,742 ചതുരശ്ര കിലോമീറ്റർ
Highest elephant count (Anamudi, 2012):
2,220
Why it matters for exams: Elephant reserve names, areas and districts are staple Kerala PSC geography facts.
Kerala PSC
Background
Keoladeo National Park in Rajasthan was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985 under criterion (x). It covers 2,873 hectares and is a major wintering area for aquatic birds from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, China and Siberia, and 364 bird species recorded there include the rare Siberian crane. It began as a duck-hunting reserve of the maharajas in the late 19th century and became a national park in 1982. Dykes and sluices regulate water depths, and a 2-metre boundary wall encloses the park.
Inscribed:
1985
Area:
2,873 hectares
Criterion:
(x)
National park status:
1982
Why it matters for exams: World Heritage natural sites in India and their inscription criteria are regular questions in UPSC and state exams.
UPSCSSC
30 September 2026
The Ministry of Power has notified new Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) Norms for passenger vehicles.
They apply from 1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032 to new passenger vehicles manufactured or imported for sale in India.
The fuel-consumption benchmark is tightened from 3.996 litres/100 km in 2027-28 to 3.3273 litres/100 km in 2031-32, an improvement of around 16.7 per cent.
The reference weight rises from 1,082 kg to 1,229 kg, and the flatter target line gives softer targets to lighter vehicles and tougher ones to heavier vehicles.
A Carbon Neutrality Factor recognises ethanol-blended petrol, biofuels and CBG.
Applicable period:
1 April 2027 to 31 March 2032
Benchmark 2027-28:
3.996 litres/100 km
Benchmark 2031-32:
3.3273 litres/100 km
Reference weight:
1,229 kg (from 1,082 kg)
Why it matters for exams: Vehicle-efficiency and energy-security regulation is a staple of UPSC, SSC and PSC current-affairs papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
29 September 2026
Rivers were flowing above the danger mark at several points in Uttar Pradesh: the Ramganga at Shahjahanpur, the Ghaghra at Barabanki, Ayodhya and Turtipar in Ballia, the Kuwano at Gonda, and the Gandak in Kushinagar.
An embankment on the Narayani in the Tamkuhi Raj area of Kushinagar gave way over a stretch of around 25 metres under water pressure.
Nearly two dozen villages in the district were left facing the threat of flooding after the breach.
Teams of the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force were deployed for rescue work.
The weather office forecast further thundershowers and rainfall in the region.
The Chief Minister inspected a flood relief camp in Kushinagar and distributed relief material on 29 September.
Length of the breach:
around 25 metres
Villages facing flood threat:
nearly two dozen
River and district:
Narayani, Kushinagar (Tamkuhi Raj area)
Why it matters for exams: The Ghaghra, Gandak, Ramganga and Kuwano are tributaries of the Ganga system that examiners ask about, and NDRF-SDRF deployment is a standard disaster-management point.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
NDRF National Disaster Response Force — The central specialised force raised under the Disaster Management Act for rescue and relief work.
Background
The Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park covers 560 sq.kms. and has 21 islands in total. The Tamil Nadu Tourism site describes it as the first marine biosphere reserve in South Asia. It lists 117 species of hard coral and dugongs among its marine life. The site places it along the coasts of Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Rameswaram and Kanyakumari.
Area:
560 sq.kms.
Islands:
21
Hard coral species:
117
Why it matters for exams: Marine protected areas and biosphere reserves are common environment and geography questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Biosphere reserve Protected area under the UNESCO Man and Biosphere programme — A zone that conserves biodiversity while allowing sustainable human use.
Dugong Marine mammal, the sea cow — A seagrass-eating marine mammal found in the Gulf of Mannar.
29 September 2026
Kariyachalli, one of 21 islands in the Gulf of Mannar, has shrunk from 20.85 hectares in 1969 to 3.14 hectares in 2025. It could vanish by 2036 without intervention. Tamil Nadu is deploying about 8,500 artificial reef modules and restoring coral and seagrass meadows. The reefs and seagrass dampen wave energy and help hold the shoreline. Tamil Nadu's Department of Environment, Climate Change and Forests, IIT Madras and the Suganthi Devadason Marine Research Institute are involved.
Area in 1969:
20.85 hectares
Area in 2025:
3.14 hectares
Reef modules:
8,500
Why it matters for exams: Island erosion, coral reefs and coastal adaptation link environment, geography and climate-change questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Artificial reef Man-made underwater structure — A built structure placed on the seabed to host corals and fish and to break waves.
Seagrass Flowering marine plants — Underwater meadows that trap sediment and shelter marine life.
29 September 2026
UN relief chief Tom Fletcher has released funds from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) ahead of El Niño-driven drought in Africa.
South Sudan receives $6 million, where over 10 million people already need aid.
Zimbabwe receives $4 million for anticipatory action on food, health and nutrition.
Chad receives $3.6 million to help 350,000 people prepare for dry conditions.
The funds were released automatically once trigger thresholds were met.
South Sudan:
$6 million
Zimbabwe:
$4 million
Chad:
$3.6 million
Fund:
CERF
Why it matters for exams: UN funds, anticipatory humanitarian action and climate phenomena like El Niño are common in current-affairs papers.
UPSCSSC
29 September 2026
A state-level conclave on farmer safety and wildlife conflict was held at Thiruvambady. Forest Minister Shibu Baby John inaugurated it, Agriculture Minister Adv. T. Siddique presided and Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar was chief guest. In his concluding speech the Agriculture Minister announced that compensation for crop damage in wildlife attacks will be raised by 100 per cent, that steps have begun to set aside ₹119 crore for natural-calamity crop-loss compensation since 2021 with payment from next month, and that startups developing wildlife-conflict solutions will get ₹4 lakh each initially. The proposals presented at the conclave include priority for the 55 panchayats worst hit by wildlife conflict.
Crop-damage compensation:
Raised by 100 per cent
Calamity crop-loss fund:
₹119 crore
Panchayats proposed for priority:
55
Why it matters for exams: Human-wildlife conflict compensation and state schemes are regular Kerala PSC questions, and the figures are easy to test.
Kerala PSC
29 September 2026
The Kerala State Electricity Board said on 29 September 2026 that partial power restrictions were likely between 6.45 pm and midnight because of a projected shortage of 600 to 800 MW.
Consumption in Kerala this September rose by about 1,200 MW over earlier years.
The Board attributed the rise to a rain deficit caused by the El Nino phenomenon and persistently high atmospheric temperatures.
The 200 MW that Kerala receives from Madhya Pradesh under a swap arrangement was not available between 6 pm and 8 pm, though an additional 50 MW was arranged from Haryana.
Grid India reported that national demand could rise by 5,000 MW alongside a 5,000 MW fall in wind generation.
Deficit:
600 to 800 MW
Restriction window:
6.45 pm to midnight
Swap power unavailable:
200 MW from Madhya Pradesh
Why it matters for exams: A current state power-supply figure tied to weather and inter-state exchange arrangements.
Kerala PSCSSC
Background
Norway is India's 33rd largest investor, and bilateral trade between the two countries has reached USD 1.1 billion.
Cooperation sectors identified between the two countries include the blue economy, green hydrogen, renewable energy, fisheries and water management.
The two sides have held an India-Norway Business Forum to widen business collaboration.
Ms May-Elin Stener is the Norwegian Ambassador to India.
Commerce and Industry Minister Shri Piyush Goyal has proposed launching a startup bridge between the two countries.
Bilateral trade:
USD 1.1 billion
Norway's rank as investor in India:
33rd largest investor
Norwegian Ambassador to India:
Ms May-Elin Stener
Why it matters for exams: India's bilateral economic ties with individual partner countries are asked with ranks, figures and cooperation sectors.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
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 International Day of Awareness of Food Loss and Waste was observed on 29 September 2026, led by the UN Environment Programme and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
The 2026 theme links food loss and waste to forest protection and sustainable agrifood systems.
More than one billion meals are left uneaten every day worldwide.
Food loss and waste accounts for 8-10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, largely as methane released in landfills.
More than $1 trillion is lost globally every year through food loss and waste, while 2.6 billion people cannot afford a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables.
UNEP says every dollar invested in prevention saves cities $8 and households $84.
A cooperative of 179 farmers near Nairobi was losing up to 40 per cent of its crops after harvest until cold-storage equipment was provided.
Meals uneaten daily:
over one billion
Share of global emissions:
8-10%
Annual economic loss:
more than $1 trillion
Why it matters for exams: UN observance days, their lead agencies and food-waste figures are frequently asked.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The southern part of the country is dominated by the Alps, some of which are snow-capped. North of the Alps, the landscape descends into the Central Plateau, which covers about a third of Switzerland and is home to major cities like Zurich and the de facto capital city, Bern. It is the most densely populated region and hosts the majority of the country’s industry, manufacturing and farming. Along the northwestern edge of the country are the Jura mountains, consisting of a sequence of folds in the geology. The Aletsch Glacier, the largest in the Alps, has a curved x-shape, and owing to climate change the glaciers in this region are showing long-term retreat. Switzerland has thousands of lakes shaped by glaciers during the last ice age, about 15 000 years ago. Lake Geneva in the west is shared with France, while Lake Constance in the east is shared with Germany and Austria, making Lake Neuchâtel in the northwest the largest entirely within Switzerland. Lake Lucerne, near the centre of the country, has four arms.
Share of Switzerland covered by the Central Plateau:
about a third
De facto capital city:
Bern
Largest glacier in the Alps:
Aletsch Glacier
Lake shared with France:
Lake Geneva
Lake shared with Germany and Austria:
Lake Constance
Largest lake entirely within Switzerland:
Lake Neuchâtel
Age of the lakes:
shaped during the last ice age, about 15 000 years ago
Why it matters for exams: Switzerland's three landscapes, the lakes it shares with its neighbours and the largest glacier in the Alps are the standard map and superlative questions, usually set against plausible wrong names.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Harike is one of the most important Wild Life Sanctuaries of not only Punjab but also of India. It is situated on the confluence of the Beas and Sutlej rivers, and the sanctuary encompasses an area of approximately 86 sq km. The area was declared a Wild Life Sanctuary in 1999, and because of its importance as a wetland of international stature it was declared a Ramsar site in 1990. Around 375 bird species have been recorded; 40 species were long distance migrants which pass through or winter at Harike lake, some from as far off as Siberia and the Arctic. Some 45,000 ducks have been recorded here during the peak migratory season, among them the wigeon, common teal, pintail, shoveller and brahminy ducks. The lake is particularly famous for diving ducks such as the crested pochard, common pochard and tufted ducks. Apart from avifauna, 7 species of turtle and 26 species of fish have been recorded, and the mammals found at Harike include the smooth Indian otter, the jungle cat, jackal, Indian wild boar and the common mongoose. The major problems facing the sanctuary are encroachments on the wetland habitat, widespread infestation of water hyacinth weed, siltation and the drainage of untreated industrial effluents.
Area:
approximately 86 sq km
Declared a Wild Life Sanctuary:
1999
Declared a Ramsar site:
1990
Bird species recorded:
375
Fish species recorded:
26
Why it matters for exams: Wetland questions usually turn on the pairing of a national designation with the Ramsar listing, and Harike is the Punjab site most often set.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Amazon basin spans at least 6 million square kilometers (2.3 million square miles), which is nearly twice the size of India. It covers about one-third of South America and spans eight countries. It is home to the largest rainforest on Earth, and to the largest river for the volume of the flow and the size of the drainage basin. Surrounded by mountainous plateaus on most sides, much of the basin is remote and difficult to access. The skies above the Amazon are almost always churning with clouds and storms, which makes the basin one of the most difficult places for scientists to map and monitor. Research groups define the region differently, using the Amazon basin, the wider Amazonia biome, or the Brazilian Legal Amazon, which includes Cerrado areas in addition to rainforest.
Area of the basin:
at least 6 million square kilometers (2.3 million square miles)
Share of South America:
about one-third
Countries the basin spans:
eight
Comparison with India:
nearly twice the size of India
Why it matters for exams: Examiners ask which river carries the greatest discharge, how much of a continent a basin occupies, and how many countries it crosses, and the Amazon is the standard example for all three.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Government of Japan gives the country's capital as Tokyo and its currency as the Japanese Yen, which is issued by the Bank of Japan. Japan is located west of the Pacific Ocean in the Northern Hemisphere, and its neighbors include the Republic of Korea, China and Russia. Its land area is 377,974.87 square kilometers as recorded by the Geospatial Information Authority of Japan, and the country is divided into 47 prefectures. The administration comprises the Prime Minister's Office of Japan, the Cabinet Secretariat and 14 ministries and agencies. The judiciary consists of the Supreme Court, High Courts, District Courts, Summary Courts, and Family Courts. The national flag is the Nisshoki, also known as the Hinomaru, and the national anthem is Kimi ga Yo. The main industries are automobiles, consumer electronics, computers and other electronics.
Capital:
Tokyo
Currency:
Japanese Yen
Currency issued by:
Bank of Japan
Land area:
377,974.87 square kilometers
Number of prefectures:
47
Neighbors:
Republic of Korea, China and Russia
National flag and anthem:
Nisshoki, also known as Hinomaru; Kimi ga Yo
Why it matters for exams: Capital, currency, land area and neighbours are the first facts asked about any country in general knowledge papers, and the issuing authority of the Japanese Yen is a standard banking-exam question.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSCBank
Background
Khangchendzonga National Park, the only National Park in the state, is also the UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in July 2016. Within an area of 7096 sq km, the state has 30.77% of forest as protected area. That protected area comprises seven wildlife sanctuaries and one national park, which is highest in the country. Sikkim's land ranges in altitude from 310 m (Jorethang) to 8586m (Mount Khangchendzonga) from MSL. The State lies in the Eastern Himalayas, which is a biodiversity hotspot. There are mainly five forest types in Sikkim, namely Sub Tropical, Moist Mixed Deciduous, Wet Temperate, Conifer and Sub-Alpine forest.
World Heritage status:
UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in July 2016
State area:
7096 sq km
Protected area:
30.77% of forest
Protected area network:
seven wildlife sanctuaries and one national park
Altitude at Jorethang:
310 m (Jorethang)
Altitude at Mount Khangchendzonga:
8586m (Mount Khangchendzonga)
Why it matters for exams: Examiners ask which World Heritage Site lies in Sikkim, and the State's protected-area share and altitude range are standard geography data.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Khichan in Phalodi and Menar in Udaipur, both in Rajasthan, have been added to the list of Ramsar Sites. The Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav announced the addition, and with these two wetlands India's tally stood at 91 Ramsar Sites. The national total has risen further since, as more wetlands have been designated, so the figure 91 belongs to this designation and not to the present day.
Ramsar Site in Phalodi:
Khichan
Ramsar Site in Udaipur:
Menar
Ramsar Sites in India when Khichan and Menar were added:
91
State:
Rajasthan
Why it matters for exams: The newest Ramsar Sites and the state they belong to are among the most frequently asked environment questions, and the running national tally is asked alongside them.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The carbon dioxide data on Mauna Loa constitute the longest record of direct measurements of CO2 in the atmosphere. They were started by C. David Keeling of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in March of 1958 at a facility of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA started its own CO2 measurements in May of 1974, and they have run in parallel with those made by Scripps since then. The Mauna Loa data are being obtained at an altitude of 3400 m in the northern subtropics, and may not be the same as the globally averaged CO2 concentration at the surface. Every monthly mean is the average of daily means, which are in turn based on hourly averages, but only for those hours during which background conditions prevail. Data are reported as a dry air mole fraction, the number of molecules of carbon dioxide divided by the number of all molecules in air after water vapor has been removed, expressed as parts per million (ppm): 0.000400 is expressed as 400 ppm. Due to the eruption of the Mauna Loa Volcano, measurements from Mauna Loa Observatory were suspended as of Nov. 29, 2022, observations from December 2022 to July 4, 2023 are from a site at the Maunakea Observatories, approximately 21 miles north of the Mauna Loa Observatory, and Mauna Loa observations resumed in July 2023. The CO2 data are now on the WMO X2019 scale.
Record begun:
March of 1958, by C. David Keeling of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Observatory altitude:
3400 m, in the northern subtropics
NOAA measurements begun:
May of 1974, in parallel with Scripps
Unit of reporting:
dry air mole fraction in parts per million (ppm)
Why it matters for exams: Climate change questions turn on where the evidence comes from, and this record is the standard example of a continuous atmospheric measurement series and of the units in which greenhouse gases are reported.
Kerala PSCUPSC