Background
The Kerala Forest Department records that the World Heritage Committee, an independent body of 21 States Parties to the 1972 World Heritage Convention of UNESCO, considered the inscription of forest areas of the Western Ghats on the World Heritage List at its meeting held from 24 June to 6 July in Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation.
The Kerala areas included in the World Heritage Site fall under five sub-clusters. The Agasthyamalai sub-cluster covers Shendurney, Neyyar and Peppara wildlife sanctuaries and the Kulathupuzha and Palode ranges.
The Periyar sub-cluster covers Periyar Tiger Reserve and the Ranni, Konni and Achencovil divisions.
The Anamalai sub-cluster covers Eravikulam National Park, Mankulam Division, Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Mannavan Shola and Karianshola; the Nilgiri sub-cluster covers Silent Valley National Park, New Amarambalam Reserve Forests, Kalikavu Range and Attappady Reserve Forests.
The Thalakkavery sub-cluster covers Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary. The department notes that the Western Ghats is recognised as one of the world's eight “hottest hotspots” of biological diversity and is home to at least 325 globally threatened species.
Committee members:
21 States Parties to the 1972 World Heritage Convention
Globally threatened species:
at least 325
Thalakkavery sub-cluster in Kerala:
Aralam Wildlife Sanctuary
Why it matters for exams: Which Kerala protected area sits in which Western Ghats sub-cluster is a recurring matching question.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Kerala Forest Department states that Kerala is home to two tiger reserves, Periyar and Parambikulam.
Periyar Tiger Reserve was notified as a tiger reserve in 2007, by G.O(P) No. 75/07/F&WLD dt.31/12/2007, with a core area of 881 sq km and a buffer area of 44 sq km, giving a total area of 925 sq km.
Parambikulam Tiger Reserve was notified in 2009, by G.O(P)No.53/2009/F&WLD dated 16/12/2009, with a core area of 390.89 sq km and a buffer area of 252.77 sq km, giving a total area of 643.66 sq km.
The Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 was amended in 2006 to establish the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and to empower states to notify areas as tiger reserves.
Under NTCA guidelines, tourism is permitted only in designated areas of the buffer zone, not exceeding 20 per cent of the total area.
Periyar TR total area:
925 sq km
Periyar TR notification year:
2007
Parambikulam TR total area:
643.66 sq km
Parambikulam TR notification year:
2009
Tourism cap in buffer:
not exceeding 20% of the total area
Why it matters for exams: Core and buffer areas of Periyar and Parambikulam, and the 2006 amendment that created the NTCA, are standard environment-and-governance questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Kerala Forest Department records Pampadum Shola National Park, in Idukki district, as the smallest national park in the state, covering an area of 1.32 sq. km, and declared a national park in 2004.
Anamudi Shola National Park, also in Idukki district, covers an area of 7.5 sq. km and was declared a national park in 2003.
Both are part of the Anamalai sub-cluster, which is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The name “Pampadum Shola” translates to “the forest where the snake dances”, and the park serves as a wildlife corridor between Eravikulam National Park and the Palani Hills.
Anamudi Shola forms part of the catchment area for the Pambar and Chinnar rivers, and shelters the Nilgiri Tahr, the Indian Wild Dog and the Nilgiri Marten.
Pampadum Shola area:
1.32 sq. km
Pampadum Shola notified:
2004
Anamudi Shola area:
7.5 sq. km
Anamudi Shola notified:
2003
Why it matters for exams: The smallest and largest protected areas of Kerala, with their notification years, are frequently asked one-mark facts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Kerala Forest Department records that Silent Valley National Park, located in the Nilgiri Hills, was declared a national park in 1985.
It is an expanse of tropical moist evergreen forest, and the Kunthipuzha River flows through its terrain.
Endangered fauna there include the lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus), the Nilgiri langur and the Malabar giant squirrel.
The area gained prominence in the 1970s, when environmentalists launched the “Save Silent Valley” movement, which halted a proposed hydroelectric project.
The park is part of the Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Declared a national park:
1985
River:
Kunthipuzha
Flagship primate:
Lion-tailed macaque (Macaca silenus)
Why it matters for exams: Silent Valley and the Save Silent Valley movement are standing favourites in Kerala PSC and UPSC environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
28 September 2026
The Supreme Court bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Viswanathan granted Bihar eight weeks to remove unauthorised structures from the Ganga flood plains in Patna. The stretch lies between Nauzar Ghat and Nurpur Ghat. The state had reported only partial compliance, citing recent flooding from Nepal. The bench said this was granted for one last time, failing which the chief secretary would be summoned. Those claiming the land must submit title deeds and building authorisation, or their representations will not be considered. The bench heard the matter and passed the order on 28 September 2026, when the state's Advocate General reported partial compliance with the 21 July direction (which had given six weeks); the order was reported by PTI on 2 October 2026.
Time allowed:
Eight weeks
Stretch:
Nauzar Ghat to Nurpur Ghat, Patna
Why it matters for exams: Floodplain protection, NGT appeals and contempt powers are linked topics for environment law and polity.
UPSC
In plain words
Floodplain Land adjoining a river that is inundated in floods — It is ecologically fragile and holds floodwater.
28 September 2026
Delhi's winter pollution plan fixes two separate construction-ban windows.
From 1 November to 31 January, dust-generating demolition and outdoor civil construction are barred.
From 10 December to 20 January there is a complete construction ban, and vehicles carrying construction material are also restricted from entering Delhi.
Essential public infrastructure projects are exempted.
Government and private offices are to operate at 50 per cent physical attendance from 1 November to 31 January, with the remaining staff working from home; essential services are exempt.
Enforcement is to be stepped up against vehicles registered outside Delhi, and parking charges raised to discourage private vehicle use on peak pollution days.
Dust-generating work banned:
1 November to 31 January
Complete construction ban:
10 December to 20 January
Office attendance:
50 per cent
Why it matters for exams: The dates of Delhi's construction bans and the 50 per cent work-from-home rule are the kind of specific administrative measures asked in current affairs papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
28 September 2026
The 30th meeting of the Full Commission of the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was held on 28.09.2026 under Chairperson Shri Rajesh Verma.
It approved modifications to the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Schedule for the National Capital Region.
The revised schedule has 25 actions in Stage-I, 8 in Stage-II, 10 in Stage-III and 5 in Stage-IV, a total of 48 actions.
Restrictions on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel LMVs are extended to Sonipat, besides Gurugram, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and Gautam Budh Nagar.
The exemption for BS-IV and below goods vehicles carrying essential commodities is removed in Stages III and IV.
Commission meeting:
30th Full Commission meeting, 28.09.2026
CAQM Chairperson:
Shri Rajesh Verma
Total GRAP actions:
48 (25 + 8 + 10 + 5)
District added:
Sonipat
Why it matters for exams: GRAP and CAQM feature repeatedly in environment and governance sections of UPSC and PSC papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
28 September 2026
The death toll from the Indonesian ferry that capsized earlier in September rose to 66, as divers continued searching on the 16th day of the operation. The Virgo Transport 8 was carrying 243 people, including 30 crew members, and an unknown number of vehicles when it capsized in bad weather early on 13 September during a voyage from Surabaya in East Java to Banjarmasin in South Kalimantan. Search and rescue agency figures put the toll at 66 dead, 108 survivors and 69 still missing. Divers working through the 4,277-ton vessel were limited to a maximum depth of 27 metres and faced leaking fuel, dense gas concentrations and unstable structures, which slowed the search. Officials said the ship's operator needs to right the vessel and bring it to the surface. Indonesia relies on ferries to connect its 17,000 islands, as sea travel is cheaper and more accessible than flying.
Vessel:
Virgo Transport 8
People on board:
243, including 30 crew
Toll:
66 dead, 108 survivors, 69 missing
Route:
Surabaya, East Java to Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan
Date of capsize:
13 September
Why it matters for exams: Major world disasters, with place names and figures, are standard current-affairs recall questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
28 September 2026
The National Disaster Management Authority observed its 22nd Formation Day in New Delhi.
The theme was 'Risk Reduction in Action', reflecting the effort to turn disaster risk reduction policy and preparedness into concrete action at all levels.
Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs Anuj Sharma addressed the gathering.
He called for concerted efforts to achieve the goal of zero casualties from natural disasters.
He said India has seen a significant transformation in disaster management, particularly in response, rescue and relief operations.
He said deaths from natural disasters have declined steadily in recent years.
Occasion:
22nd Formation Day of NDMA
Theme:
Risk Reduction in Action
Venue:
New Delhi
Why it matters for exams: NDMA is a statutory body under the Disaster Management Act and its formation day and themes are examinable.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
28 September 2026
The Indian Coast Guard responded to the Belize-flagged chemical tanker MT Seagull 9 off the Paradip coast in Odisha after it suffered main engine failure and rapid flooding of a ballast tank, which made it tilt dangerously.
The vessel was carrying about 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil with 23 crew members on board.
ICGS Vishwast reached the scene first, followed by a pollution control vessel, an offshore patrol vessel and a Dornier aircraft launched from Bhubaneswar.
An ICG Damage Control Team boarded the unstable vessel and began emergency damage-control measures.
After the tanker was stabilised, the Paradip Port Authority tug Dolphin towed it to anchorage.
A minor palm oil sheen was seen and fully dissipated during follow-up aerial sorties.
Vessel:
MT Seagull 9 (Belize-flagged)
Cargo:
About 9,000 metric tonnes of palm oil
Crew on board:
23
First Coast Guard ship on scene:
ICGS Vishwast
Why it matters for exams: Coast Guard operations, ship names and pollution response are regular defence and environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
East Khasi Hills district's official website describes it as one of the twelve districts of Meghalaya, occupying an area of 2,748 sq km. Its 'District at a Glance' data records a 2011 Census population of 8,24,059, a literacy rate of 84.70 per cent, 1,024 villages and 11 administrative blocks. Shillong, the state capital, is the district's headquarters. The district's principal languages are Khasi, Jaintia and Garo.
Area:
2,748 sq km
Population (2011 Census):
8,24,059
Literacy rate (2011 Census):
84.70%
Why it matters for exams: Basic district-level statistics such as area, population and literacy from a state whose roundup is due are standard fare in Kerala PSC and UPSC prelims.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Kolhapur district in southern Maharashtra lies between latitudes 15°73' and 17°11' N and longitudes 73°75' and 74°70' E, at an altitude of about 546 metres above sea level, according to the district administration's website. Its proximity to the eastern slopes of the Sahyadri (Western Ghats) is credited with giving it a climate largely free of famine and scarcity. The district covers an area of 7,685 sq km and had a population of 38,75,001 as per the 2011 Census. Kolhapur district is bounded by Sangli district to its east and north, Ratnagiri district to the north-west, Sindhudurg district to the south-west, and Belgaum district of Karnataka to the south.
Area:
7,685 sq km
Population (2011 Census):
38,75,001
Altitude:
546 m
Why it matters for exams: District geography questions on area, boundaries and neighbouring states are a recurring feature of Kerala PSC and UPSC prelims.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Kumarakom, in Kerala's backwaters, originated as a cluster of small islands formed by Vembanad Lake, described by the Ministry of Tourism as one of the largest freshwater lakes in India. The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary, spread over about 14 acres of mangrove and marshy wetland, hosts resident and migratory birds including herons, egrets, kingfishers and Siberian cranes. The Nehru Trophy Boat Race, featuring traditional snake boats called chundan vallams, is held annually in August on Vembanad Lake. Houseboats known locally as kettuvallams, originally cargo vessels, are now used as tourist accommodation on the backwaters.
Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary area:
About 14 acres
Nehru Trophy Boat Race held:
Annually in August
Why it matters for exams: Vembanad Lake, Kumarakom sanctuary and the Nehru Trophy Boat Race are recurring Kerala geography and culture facts in PSC exams.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Kollam is a southern district of Kerala, located about 70 kilometres north of the state capital, Thiruvananthapuram. It is bounded by the Arabian Sea to the west, Tamil Nadu to the east, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts to the north, and Thiruvananthapuram district to the south. The district is administratively divided into two revenue divisions, Kollam and Punalur, comprising six taluks in total, three under each division.
Revenue divisions:
Kollam and Punalur (2)
Total taluks:
6
Why it matters for exams: Kollam's boundaries and its two-division administrative structure are commonly tested Kerala geography facts in PSC exams.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Palakkad is one of Kerala's fourteen districts and is among those without a coastline. The Palakkad Gap, a natural break in the Western Ghats mountain range, is 32 to 40 kilometres wide and is called Kerala's gateway. Agriculture is the leading economic activity in the district, which is known as Kerala's granary. Palakkad is also noted for its extensive sugarcane cultivation and is referred to as the land of sugarcane.
Width of Palakkad Gap:
32–40 km
Known as:
Kerala's granary
Why it matters for exams: Palakkad's unique geography as a coastless district and its role as the Western Ghats' principal gap are frequently tested facts in Kerala geography questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Umiam Lake, also called Barapani, lies about 15 km north of Shillong in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. It is a man-made reservoir created for hydroelectric power generation. In the Khasi language, the name 'Umiam' means 'water of tears', drawn from a local legend of two sisters. Besides power generation, the lake today supports boating, trekking, camping, fishing, kayaking and water-skiing, and is one of Shillong's well-known natural attractions alongside Shillong Peak and Elephant Falls.
Alternative name:
Barapani
Distance from Shillong:
About 15 km
District:
East Khasi Hills
Purpose:
Hydroelectric power generation
Why it matters for exams: Umiam Lake is a frequently asked Meghalaya geography question, testing knowledge of the state's man-made water bodies and their purpose.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The living root bridges of Meghalaya, found mainly in the East Khasi Hills around Cherrapunjee and Nongriat, are grown by the indigenous Khasi people by training the aerial roots of Ficus (rubber) trees across streams over generations. The well-known double-decker root bridge near Cherrapunjee began over 180 years ago, when Khasi elders placed rubber tree roots into hollowed Areca nut palm canes until the roots intertwined across the stream; it was later made two-tiered after a rise in the river covered the original single bridge. India's official tentative list submission for World Heritage status, 'Jingkieng jri: Living Root Bridge Cultural Landscapes', records these structures spread across more than 75 villages of Meghalaya and notes that early 19th century published accounts already described this bridge-building tradition near Cherrapunjee.
Community:
Khasi people
Location:
East Khasi Hills, near Cherrapunjee/Nongriat
Tree used:
Ficus (rubber) tree
Double-decker bridge age:
Over 180 years
Villages with living root bridges:
More than 75 villages
Why it matters for exams: Meghalaya's living root bridges are a recurring art-and-culture/environment question linking indigenous engineering with UNESCO's tentative World Heritage list.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Nokrek Biosphere Reserve lies on the Tura Range, part of the Meghalaya Plateau in the Garo Hills. It was designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 2009 under the Man and the Biosphere Programme. The reserve covers about 82,000 hectares of entirely terrestrial area. Nokrek peak, the highest point in the Garo Hills, rises to 1,412 metres, while the reserve's average altitude is around 600 metres. About 90 per cent of the reserve is covered by evergreen forest. The reserve holds the Ganol, Dareng and Simsang rivers, of which the Simsang is the longest and largest. It is home to tigers, leopards, elephants and hoolock gibbons, described by UNESCO as among the most endangered apes in India.
UNESCO designation year:
2009
Area:
82,000 hectares
Highest peak:
1,412 metres
Why it matters for exams: Nokrek is a recurring UPSC/Kerala PSC topic among India's UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and Meghalaya's protected areas.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) organises its assessments through three Working Groups. Working Group I assesses the scientific aspects of the climate system and climate change. Working Group II assesses the impacts of climate change on human and natural systems, and assesses adaptation options. Working Group III assesses how to limit greenhouse gas emissions, known as mitigation. Separately, the IPCC's Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (TFI) develops methodologies for estimating national greenhouse gas emissions. The IPCC Chair, IPCC Vice-Chairs, and the Co-Chairs of the three Working Groups and the TFI together form the IPCC's Executive Committee.
Working Group I:
Physical science basis
Working Group II:
Impacts and adaptation
Working Group III:
Mitigation
Why it matters for exams: The distinct mandate of each IPCC Working Group is a frequently tested distinction in environment and international-organisation questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Eravikulam National Park, located in Devikulam Taluk of Idukki district near Munnar, was established in 1978 as the first national park in Kerala. It lies in the Kannan Devan Hills of the Western Ghats and features high-altitude grasslands and shola forests at elevations around 2,000 metres. The park contains Anamudi, the highest peak in South India at 2,695 metres. Eravikulam shelters the largest wild population of the endangered Nilgiri Tahr (Nilgiritragus hylocrius) and is managed by the Kerala Department of Forests and Wildlife. The park is also known as the 'Land of Neelakurinji', for the mass flowering of Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), which occurs once every 12 years.
Established:
1978
Highest peak:
Anamudi, 2,695 m
Why it matters for exams: Eravikulam's status as Kerala's first national park, its Nilgiri Tahr population and the Neelakurinji flowering cycle are recurring Kerala PSC environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC