13 October 2026
Higher Education Minister Roji M John moved a resolution in the Assembly on 12 October 2026.
It asks the Centre to return the Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill, 2025, now before the President.
The Bill had passed the Assembly unanimously in March 2025; Governor Rajendra Arlekar then referred it to the President under Article 200.
It has stayed pending for about 18 months.
The 2025 Bill required a sponsoring body to hold an endowment fund of at least ₹25 crore and at least 10 acres of land.
The UDF government plans a new Bill that also covers deemed-to-be and foreign universities.
Endowment fund required (2025 Bill):
₹25 crore
Land required (2025 Bill):
10 acres
Pending for:
about 18 months
Why it matters for exams: Shows how a State Bill reserved by the Governor for the President is handled, and Kerala's higher-education policy.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Article 200 Article 200 of the Constitution — It lets the Governor reserve a Bill for the President's consideration.
Deemed-to-be university Deemed-to-be university — An institution declared by the Centre to have the status of a university.
Sponsoring body Sponsoring body — The individual or group that sets up a private university.
13 October 2026
On 12 October 2026 a Division Bench of Dr Justice A.K. Jayasankaran Nambiar and Justice Preeta A.K. admitted the State's appeals in WA 2100/2026.
A Single Judge had quashed the government order of 27 July 2026 that abolished the Kerala Police Officers' Association (KPOA).
The order reduced three recognised associations to two, the Kerala Police Association (KPA) and the Kerala Police Senior Officers' Association (KPSOA).
The State relies on Article 33, the Police Forces (Restriction of Rights) Act, 1966 and Section 109 of the Kerala Police Act, 2011.
The associations rely on Article 19(1)(c), the right to form associations.
Case:
WA 2100/2026
Government order:
27 July 2026
Associations:
3 reduced to 2
Why it matters for exams: Links Article 19(1)(c) and Article 33 to a live Kerala Police matter.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Article 33 Article 33 of the Constitution — It lets Parliament restrict fundamental rights of members of the armed forces and police forces.
Article 19(1)(c) Article 19(1)(c) of the Constitution — It guarantees the right to form associations or unions.
Ad hoc committee Ad hoc committee — A temporary committee set up to run an association until elections.
13 October 2026
On 9 October 2026 a Single Bench of the Kerala High Court directed the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau to register an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act, based on Enforcement Directorate information in the CMRL-Exalogic case.
Pinarayi Vijayan and T. Veena, among others, filed appeals, saying they were not made parties before the Single Bench.
They argue the transactions were assigned to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office, and that FIR registration by the State Police is barred.
The Division Bench of Justice K. Natarajan and Justice Johnson John orally asked why a person must be heard before an FIR is registered.
The Bench orally observed that a case can be registered where there is prima facie reason to believe a crime has occurred.
No interim order was reported.
Single Bench order:
9 October 2026
Agency told to register FIR:
Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau
Law:
Prevention of Corruption Act
Why it matters for exams: Shows how appeals from a Single Bench go to a Division Bench and how FIR registration works in anti-corruption cases.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
SFIO Serious Fraud Investigation Office — A Union agency that investigates complex corporate fraud.
Writ appeal Writ appeal — An appeal to a Division Bench against a Single Judge's writ order.
VACB Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau — Kerala's agency that investigates corruption cases.
13 October 2026
The Kerala Legislative Assembly passed a resolution on 12 October 2026, moved by the Chief Minister under Rule 118.
It was passed unanimously.
The House demanded restoration of voting rights of eligible voters excluded from the rolls during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR).
It sought proceedings to remove Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
It also asked for the committee that selects the CEC to be reconstituted with the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.
The House cited the guarantee of universal adult suffrage under Article 326.
Rule used:
Rule 118
Vote:
Passed unanimously
Article cited:
Article 326
Why it matters for exams: Tests knowledge of Assembly procedure, Article 326 and the Election Commission's selection process.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
SIR Special Intensive Revision — A special drive to revise electoral rolls.
Rule 118 Rule 118 of the Assembly's Rules of Procedure — The rule under which this resolution was moved in the House.
Article 326 Article 326 of the Constitution — It provides for elections to the Lok Sabha and Assemblies on the basis of adult suffrage.
13 October 2026
A Rashtrapati Bhavan communique on 12 October 2026 announced a Governor reshuffle by President Droupadi Murmu.
Om Prakash Mathur, Governor of Sikkim, has been appointed Governor of Keralam (Kerala).
Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, the outgoing Kerala Governor, has been named Governor of Tamil Nadu.
Dushyant Gautam goes to Sikkim, Braj Mohan Ram to Odisha, Sudha Yadav to Karnataka and Dhal Singh Bisen to Uttarakhand.
The appointments take effect from the dates the appointees assume charge of their offices.
New Governor of Kerala:
Om Prakash Mathur
Moved to:
Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar to Tamil Nadu
Announced:
12 October 2026
Why it matters for exams: Governor appointments and transfers are routine questions in Kerala PSC and UPSC polity papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Article 155 Article 155 of the Constitution — It says the Governor of a State is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
Rashtrapati Bhavan communique Press communique of the President's Secretariat — It is the official notice through which the President's appointments are announced.
Background
This backgrounder is tied to the Court Fees Amendment Bill referred to the Subject Committee on 12 October 2026, which the Chief Minister said followed a direction of the High Court. Before 1949, Travancore had a High Court at Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin had one at Ernakulam, and Malabar District came under the Madras High Court. The High Court of Travancore-Cochin was inaugurated on 07-07-1949 at Ernakulam after the two States were integrated on 01-07-1949. The High Court of Kerala was established on 01-11-1956 with its seat at Ernakulam and inaugurated on 05-11-1956. Its jurisdiction covers the State of Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep, and its sanctioned strength is 35 Permanent Judges, including the Chief Justice, and 12 Additional Judges. Justice Anna Chandy of this court was the first woman High Court Judge in India.
Established:
01-11-1956, seat at Ernakulam
Inaugurated:
05-11-1956
Jurisdiction:
Kerala and Lakshadweep
Sanctioned strength:
35 Permanent and 12 Additional Judges
Predecessor:
High Court of Travancore-Cochin, inaugurated 07-07-1949
Why it matters for exams: The seat, jurisdiction and history of the Kerala High Court, including Lakshadweep, are frequently asked in Kerala PSC and UPSC prelims.
Kerala PSCUPSC
12 October 2026
Tourism and Culture Minister P. C. Vishnunath chaired a meeting at the Parumala Seminary Hall on 12 October 2026 to review government arrangements for the Parumala Perunnal. The festival runs from 26 October to 2 November, with the main days on 31 October, 1 November and 2 November. Police in Pathanamthitta and Alappuzha districts will work under a single operation with a special control room, and the deployment will be divided into 10 sectors under a DySP. Health and AYUSH services will be ensured, with arrangements at the Chengannur and Thiruvalla government hospitals and an AYUSH outpatient clinic near the church for pilgrims arriving on foot; KSRTC will run extra buses. The Thiruvalla Sub Collector will coordinate the departments, and the minister said progress would be reviewed again after a week.
Festival dates:
26 October to 2 November 2026
Main days:
31 October, 1 and 2 November
Police sectors:
10, under a DySP
Coordinator:
Thiruvalla Sub Collector
Why it matters for exams: Major pilgrim festivals of Kerala, their locations and the districts involved are common Kerala PSC culture and geography questions.
Kerala PSC
12 October 2026
Health Minister K. Muraleedharan, speaking online on 12 October 2026, laid the foundation stone for a critical care block at the Alappuzha Government T.D. Medical College Hospital under the 100-Day Action Programme. The block has been sanctioned 21.52 crore rupees; tenders are complete and the contract has been awarded. He also inaugurated 2 health centres and laid foundation stones for 16 more in Alappuzha district. The minister said 81.48 crore rupees had been approved for the district under the 15th Finance Commission. He said the Finance Department had been asked to create posts for about 1800 doctors and about 500 nurses, and that institutions may make ready purchases to prevent medicine shortages. Deputy Speaker Shanimol Usman presided.
Critical care block:
21.52 crore rupees
15th Finance Commission (district):
81.48 crore rupees
Posts sought:
about 1800 doctors, about 500 nurses
Health centres:
2 inaugurated, 16 foundation stones
Why it matters for exams: State health infrastructure figures and Finance Commission grants to local health institutions are asked in Kerala PSC current affairs.
Kerala PSC
In plain words
15th Finance Commission Fifteenth Finance Commission — The constitutional body under Article 280 that recommended Union transfers, including health grants to local bodies, for 2021–26.
Background
India and Saudi Arabia established diplomatic relations in 1947, according to the Embassy of India in Riyadh. King Abdullah's visit to India in January 2006 produced the Delhi Declaration, and the Riyadh Declaration of 2010, during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's visit, raised ties to a Strategic Partnership. The Strategic Partnership Council Agreement was signed during Prime Minister Modi's Riyadh visit on 28–29 October 2019. Bilateral trade stood at USD 41.07 billion in FY 2025-26, with Indian exports of USD 10.28 billion and imports of USD 30.79 billion. Saudi Arabia is India's 5th largest trading partner, and India is Saudi Arabia's 2nd largest. About 2.74 million Indians live in the Kingdom, and India's annual Haj quota is 175,025. The safety of this community is in focus after the October 2026 attacks on Riyadh's airport, in which an Indian national died.
Diplomatic relations:
1947
Bilateral trade FY 2025-26:
USD 41.07 billion
Indian community:
about 2.74 million
Annual Haj quota:
175,025
Why it matters for exams: The milestones of India–Saudi ties (Delhi Declaration, Riyadh Declaration, Strategic Partnership Council) and trade and diaspora figures are standard exam material.
Kerala PSCUPSC
12 October 2026
Ukraine's Verkhovna Rada on 12 October 2026 passed a law strengthening the educational rights of national minorities, with 266 lawmakers in favour. President Volodymyr Zelensky signed it the same day. Schools where more than 50% of pupils study in a minority language may get special status, and the law covers official EU languages but not Russian. Hungary had demanded the step, mainly for Hungarians in Zakarpattia (Transcarpathia). Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar said it would make it easier for Hungarian children there to use their mother tongue. The vote clears the way for the EU to open two more clusters, on internal market and competitiveness, for Ukraine and Moldova.
Votes in favour:
266
Threshold for special school status:
More than 50% of pupils
New clusters to open:
Internal market; competitiveness
Why it matters for exams: EU enlargement, the negotiating cluster method and the Verkhovna Rada are standard world affairs facts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Verkhovna Rada Verkhovna Rada — Ukraine's single-chamber national parliament.
Negotiating cluster Negotiating cluster — A group of policy chapters that the EU opens together in accession talks.
12 October 2026
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has urged all States and Union Territories to ensure prominent display of rates charged by Clinical Establishments. Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava wrote to the Chief Secretaries of all States and UTs. The letter refers to the Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010 and the Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012. Under the Rules, establishments in States and UTs where the Act applies must display rates for each service at a conspicuous place in the local language as well as in English; elsewhere, State and UT frameworks apply. The letter notes that health is a State subject. States were also asked to encourage display of package rates for foreign patients on Medical or Ayush Visas.
Law cited:
Clinical Establishments (Registration and Regulation) Act, 2010
Rules cited:
Clinical Establishments (Central Government) Rules, 2012
Why it matters for exams: The Clinical Establishments Act, 2010 and the State List status of health are frequent polity and health questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Ayush Visa Ayush Visa — An Indian visa category for foreigners seeking treatment under traditional systems of medicine.
12 October 2026
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), India celebrated its 33rd Foundation Day at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The Commission was set up on 12th October 1993. It held a National Conference on the theme 'Water as the Elixir of Life: Advancing Human Dignity through the Right to Water'. Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant was the chief guest and said State Human Rights Commissions have a significant role because they are close to the ground. NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian also addressed the function. The CJI also welcomed the launch of the NHRC, India mobile application.
Set up on:
12th October 1993
Chairperson:
Justice V. Ramasubramanian
Foundation Day:
33rd
Why it matters for exams: NHRC's founding date, its chairperson and its statutory basis are standard polity questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
NHRC National Human Rights Commission — A statutory body under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 that inquires into rights violations.
SHRC State Human Rights Commission — The state-level counterpart of the NHRC.
Background
This backgrounder is tied to the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister's demand on 11 October 2026 that Tamil be made the principal language of proceedings in the Madras High Court. Article 348(1)(a) of the Constitution provides that all proceedings in the Supreme Court and in every High Court shall be in English. Under Article 348(2), the Governor of a State may, with the previous consent of the President, authorise the use of Hindi or the State's official language in proceedings of its High Court. Hindi was authorised in the High Court of Rajasthan in 1950, and later in Uttar Pradesh (1969), Madhya Pradesh (1971) and Bihar (1972) in consultation with the Chief Justice of India. A Cabinet Committee decision of 21.05.1965 requires the consent of the Chief Justice of India for any such proposal. Tamil Nadu's proposal for Tamil was not accepted by the Full Court of the Supreme Court in 2012 and again in 2016.
Article 348(1)(a):
English in the Supreme Court and High Courts
Article 348(2):
Governor may authorise Hindi or State language, with President's consent
First High Court with Hindi:
Rajasthan, 1950
Why it matters for exams: Article 348 and the language of the higher judiciary is a frequent polity question in UPSC and State PSC papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
12 October 2026
On the first day of the session, 12 October 2026, Varkala MLA V Joy gave notice of an adjournment motion over police action against SFI activists in Thiruvananthapuram. The dispute relates to a Youth Congress night march of 30 September that began at Palayam Men's Hostel. Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala replied that the trouble began when beer bottles were thrown from the hostel at Youth Congress workers, and asked the Higher Education Minister to conduct an inquiry. Opposition Leader Pinarayi Vijayan said the commotion began when power went off during the march. Joy displayed a police lathi, which Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan handed to the Watch and Ward staff. Leave for the motion was refused and the Opposition staged a walkout.
Mover of notice:
V Joy, MLA (Varkala)
Reply:
Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala
Outcome:
Leave refused; Opposition walkout
Why it matters for exams: The adjournment motion, the walkout and the role of the Watch and Ward are core legislative-procedure topics in polity papers.
Kerala PSC
In plain words
Adjournment motion Motion for adjournment of the business of the House — A motion to set aside listed business and discuss a definite, urgent matter of public importance; it can be moved only with the Speaker's consent.
Watch and Ward Watch and Ward staff of the Legislature — The security staff who maintain order inside the House under the Speaker's direction.
12 October 2026
Health Minister K Muraleedharan told the Kerala Assembly on 12 October 2026 that an expert team led by the Principal Secretary of the Health Department will investigate the isolation ward project. The project, sanctioned in July 2021 to set up 10-bed isolation wards, covered 88 health centres in its first phase at an estimated cost of ₹250.69 crore. As of 9 October, 33 isolation wards had been completed and handed over to hospitals; KIIFCON was carrying out work on 22 wards left incomplete by the original contractor, 28 were under construction and five sites faced hurdles. Each unit cost about ₹1.76 crore, made up of a ₹1.31 crore contract and ₹44.31 lakh for equipment. The minister said even the completed wards could not be used for patient care because of construction defects and the lack of facilities such as air-conditioning and toilets. He was replying to a submission by Kunnathunad MLA V P Sajeendran.
Health centres (first phase):
88
Estimated cost:
₹250.69 crore
Handed over (as of 9 October):
33
Taken over by KIIFCON:
22
Cost per unit:
about ₹1.76 crore
Why it matters for exams: Public health infrastructure, KIIFB-linked agencies and Assembly procedure such as submissions are tested in Kerala PSC current affairs.
Kerala PSC
In plain words
KIIFCON Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Consulting Private Limited — The consultancy arm linked to KIIFB that executes and supervises infrastructure works.
Submission Submission under the rules of the Kerala Assembly — A short matter of public importance raised by a member, to which a minister replies in the House.
12 October 2026
Devaswom Minister K Muraleedharan moved the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Kerala Assembly on 12 October 2026 for reference to a committee, and the motion was adopted. The Bill replaces the Fasli year with the financial year for the accounts and audit of temples under the Malabar Devaswom Board. It amends Sections 70, 71, 76 and 79 of the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951. The minister said 1,403 temples come under the Malabar Devaswom Board and only 115 of them generate income, so most depend on government grants. He said a comprehensive Malabar Devaswom Bill will be introduced in the next Assembly session to strengthen the Board's powers over trustees.
Parent Act:
Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Act, 1951
Sections amended:
70, 71, 76 and 79
Temples under MDB:
1,403
Income-generating temples:
115
Why it matters for exams: Kerala's three devaswom systems and the Madras HR&CE Act, 1951 that still governs Malabar temples are asked in Kerala PSC papers.
Kerala PSC
In plain words
Fasli year Fasli calendar year — A revenue calendar introduced in Mughal times and long used in South India for land revenue and accounts.
MDB Malabar Devaswom Board — The statutory body that administers temples in the Malabar region of Kerala.
12 October 2026
Chief Minister V D Satheesan moved the Kerala Court Fees and Suits Valuation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Assembly on 12 October 2026. The Bill amends the Kerala Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1959 by inserting a new Section 76A, under which additional court fees collected in cases settled out of court would not be refundable. It would not affect cases in which courts had already ordered refunds before the provision takes effect, or cases settled out of court in which judgments had not yet been pronounced. Satheesan said the High Court had directed that Section 76 of the Act be amended so that such additional fees are not refunded. Satheesan said refunds had become difficult in cases settled through alternative dispute resolution under Section 89 of the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908. He said 70% of the amount collected for the Legal Aid Fund went to the Advocates Welfare Fund and 30% to the Advocates Clerks Welfare Fund. LDF members raised objections but did not press them, and Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan referred the Bill to the Subject Committee.
Parent Act:
Kerala Court Fees and Suits Valuation Act, 1959
New provision:
Section 76A
Moved by:
Chief Minister V D Satheesan
Fund shares:
70% Advocates Welfare Fund, 30% Advocates Clerks Welfare Fund
Why it matters for exams: Links state legislation on court fees with Section 89 CPC and alternative dispute resolution, a recurring law-and-polity topic.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Section 89 CPC Section 89, Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 — The provision that lets a court refer a dispute to arbitration, conciliation, judicial settlement or mediation.
Subject Committee Subject Committee of the Kerala Legislative Assembly — A departmental committee of the House that examines a Bill in detail before it is passed.
12 October 2026
The second session of the 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly began on 12 October 2026 and is scheduled to end on 29 October, with nine sittings. Speaker Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan announced the schedule on 9 October. The Kerala Court Fees and Suits Valuation (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Madras Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (Amendment) Bill, 2026 were listed for the session, and the Business Advisory Committee was to meet on 12 October to fix further business. 16 October is set apart for private members' business, along with supplementary and excess demands for grants covering five financial years since 2017. The Assembly will mark its Platinum Jubilee, 70 years, on 27 April 2027. The new Pamba Block, with 64 apartments for legislators, is to be inaugurated on 26 October.
Session:
Second session, 16th Kerala Legislative Assembly
Duration:
12 to 29 October 2026, nine sittings
Speaker:
Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan
Platinum Jubilee:
27 April 2027 (70 years)
Pamba Block:
64 apartments for legislators
Why it matters for exams: Sessions, sittings, committees and the Platinum Jubilee of the Kerala Assembly are standard Kerala PSC polity questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Business Advisory Committee Business Advisory Committee of the Kerala Legislative Assembly — A House committee chaired by the Speaker that allots time for government and other business.
Excess demand Excess demand for grants — A demand placed before the House when spending in a year has exceeded the amount voted for it.
Background
With weekly polls tracking President Lee Jae Myung's approval, the rules of South Korea's presidency are worth knowing.
The President is elected by nationwide direct ballot and is head of state, chief administrator, commander-in-chief, chief diplomat and chief policy maker.
The President serves a single five-year term, with no additional terms allowed.
The Prime Minister is appointed by the President and approved by the National Assembly, and supervises the administrative ministries under the President's direction.
The President presides over a Cabinet of 15 to 30 members; agencies under the President's direct control include the Board of Audit and Inspection and the National Intelligence Service.
Presidential term:
Single five-year term
Cabinet size:
15 to 30 members
Why it matters for exams: Comparative questions on executive systems often ask about South Korea's single five-year presidential term.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Board of Audit and Inspection Board of Audit and Inspection of Korea — South Korea's supreme audit body, placed directly under the President.
Background
With South Korea's exports at a record in early October 2026, its trade ties with India are a standing exam topic.
India and the Republic of Korea (South Korea) established diplomatic relations in 1973; the 50th anniversary was marked in 2023.
The Korea-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) was concluded in 2010, and both sides have agreed to expedite negotiations to upgrade it.
Relations were elevated to a Special Strategic Partnership in 2015.
In a joint press statement issued during President Lee Jae Myung's state visit to India, the two sides set a goal of US$50 billion in bilateral trade by 2030.
Diplomatic relations:
1973
CEPA concluded:
2010
Special Strategic Partnership:
2015
Trade goal:
US$50 billion by 2030
Why it matters for exams: The milestones of India-South Korea relations (1973, 2010, 2015) are frequently asked in both PSC and UPSC papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
CEPA Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement — A trade agreement covering goods, services and investment; India's with South Korea was concluded in 2010.