Background
Areas with significant tribal populations are designated as Scheduled Areas by the President of India in terms of Article 244 of the Constitution.
The Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 came into force because the 73rd Amendment did not apply to tribal Scheduled Areas automatically.
As per the PIB backgrounder of 22 December 2025, 10 states have Fifth Scheduled Areas, Chhattisgarh among them.
In Chhattisgarh these cover 9,977 villages, 5,050 panchayats and 85 blocks, with 13 districts fully covered and 6 partially covered.
Chhattisgarh is among the eight states that have framed their PESA Rules; the backgrounder cites the Chhattisgarh PESA Rules 2022 in the case of a Gram Sabha in Kanker district.
Villages (as per PIB backgrounder, Dec 2025):
9,977
Panchayats:
5,050
Blocks:
85
Districts fully / partially covered:
13 / 6
Why it matters for exams: Scheduled Areas, Article 244 and PESA are core polity topics, and state-wise coverage figures make good numerical questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
PESA Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act, 1996 — The Act that extends Panchayati Raj provisions to tribal Scheduled Areas and empowers tribal Gram Sabhas.
Background
The Chhattisgarh High Court was established on 1 November 2000 as a separate High Court for the newly created state.
It was set up under the Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000, with jurisdiction over the territories of the state of Chhattisgarh.
The High Court of Chhattisgarh at Bilaspur is described on the e-Committee page as the 19th High Court of India.
Its new building is situated in Bilaspur at Bodri.
It was inaugurated on the day of its establishment by a Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
Established:
1 November 2000
Seat:
Bilaspur
Establishing Act:
Madhya Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000
Why it matters for exams: The seat, year and parent Act of a state's High Court are routine polity and state-profile questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
e-Committee e-Committee of the Supreme Court of India — The Supreme Court body that oversees the e-Courts computerisation project.
Background
The state of Chhattisgarh was formed on 1 November 2000 under the Madhya Pradesh State Reorganization Act, 2000.
Before its formation, the area of present-day Chhattisgarh was administered by Madhya Pradesh through Divisional Commissioners and District Collectors.
After formation, the state government kept the system of revenue divisions and strengthened it, each division being overseen by a Divisional Commissioner.
The Chhattisgarh Revenue Board, headquartered in Bilaspur, was effectively operational to oversee and exercise judicial control over revenue matters in the state.
The revenue division system was meant for administrative decentralisation and coordination between districts.
Formed on:
1 November 2000
Enabling Act:
Madhya Pradesh State Reorganization Act, 2000
Revenue Board HQ:
Bilaspur
Why it matters for exams: Formation dates, parent states and the enabling Reorganisation Act are standard state-profile questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Divisional Commissioner Head of a revenue division — A divisional commissioner oversees the revenue and administrative functions of the districts in a division.
Background
The Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer is a global agreement to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it, covering both production and consumption.
It was signed in 1987 and entered into force in 1989.
The parties meet once a year; the Protocol has been adjusted or amended six times since its creation.
The most recent amendment, the Kigali Amendment, called for the phase-down of hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs) in 2016.
HFCs do not deplete the ozone layer but are powerful greenhouse gases; they were used as replacements for ozone-depleting substances eliminated by the original Protocol.
It was preceded by the Vienna Convention of 1985, a framework convention that does not require countries to take control actions; it took effect in 1988 and reached universal ratification in 2009.
Montreal Protocol signed:
1987
Entered into force:
1989
Kigali Amendment:
2016, phase-down of HFCs
Vienna Convention created:
1985
Why it matters for exams: Treaty years, the Kigali Amendment and the Vienna Convention versus Montreal Protocol distinction are standard environment questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
In plain words
HFC Hydrofluorocarbons — Replacements for ozone-depleting substances that do not deplete ozone but are powerful greenhouse gases.
UNEP United Nations Environment Programme — The UN body whose Ozone Secretariat serves the ozone treaties.
Background
The World Bank Group has five institutions: IBRD, IDA, IFC, MIGA and ICSID.
IBRD, the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development, provides financial products and policy advice to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries; it was created in 1944 to help Europe rebuild after World War II.
IDA, the International Development Association, offers grants and low-interest loans to low-income countries; IBRD joins with IDA to form the World Bank.
IFC, the International Finance Corporation, encourages the growth of the private sector in developing countries.
MIGA, the Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency, provides political risk insurance (guarantees) for projects in developing member countries.
ICSID, the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes, is devoted to international investment dispute settlement.
Institutions in the Group:
5
IBRD created:
1944
Institutions that form the World Bank:
IBRD and IDA
Political risk insurance:
MIGA
Why it matters for exams: Examiners ask which World Bank Group institution does what, and which two together form the World Bank.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSCBank
In plain words
IBRD International Bank for Reconstruction and Development — The World Bank Group lender to middle-income and creditworthy low-income countries.
IDA International Development Association — Offers grants and low-interest loans to low-income countries.
MIGA Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency — Provides political risk insurance for projects in developing member countries.
ICSID International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes — Devoted to international investment dispute settlement.
Background
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) is a statutory authority established under the Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016 on 12 July 2016.
It functions under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
The Aadhaar Act 2016 was amended by the Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2019, with effect from 25.07.2019.
UIDAI was created to issue Unique Identification numbers (UID), named Aadhaar, to all residents of India.
The number had to be robust enough to eliminate duplicate and fake identities and verifiable and authenticable in an easy, cost-effective way.
Under the Act, UIDAI is responsible for Aadhaar enrolment and authentication, including operation and management of all stages of the Aadhaar life cycle.
Its page says it traces its origins to the 2006 UID initiatives.
Established:
12 July 2016
Parent law:
Aadhaar Act 2016
Amendment Act:
Aadhaar and Other Laws (Amendment) Act, 2019 (14 of 2019)
Amendment in force from:
25.07.2019
Ministry:
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Why it matters for exams: UIDAI's statutory basis and its mandate over enrolment and authentication are frequent governance questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
UID Unique Identification number — The number issued by UIDAI, named Aadhaar.
Background
The Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) was set up under the direct charge of the Prime Minister through a Presidential Order on August 3, 1954.
By that order, all business of the Government of India related to atomic energy and to the Central Government's functions under the Atomic Energy Act, 1948 (XXIX of 1948) was to be transacted in the Department.
The Atomic Energy Commission, with full executive and financial powers, was set up by a Government resolution dated March 1, 1958, and is responsible for formulating the Department's policy.
The Secretary to the Government of India in the Department of Atomic Energy is ex-officio Chairman of the Commission.
DAE's mandate includes uranium exploration and processing, nuclear fuel fabrication, heavy water production, and the construction and operation of nuclear power plants.
It comprises 6 research centres, including BARC (Mumbai) and IGCAR (Kalpakkam), and 5 public sector undertakings, including NPCIL (Mumbai).
DAE set up (Presidential Order):
August 3, 1954
Atomic Energy Commission set up (Government resolution):
March 1, 1958
Act named in the 1954 order:
Atomic Energy Act, 1948
Research centres:
6
Public sector undertakings:
5
Grant-in-aid institutes:
11
Why it matters for exams: DAE's founding instrument, the 1958 Commission and its constituent units are common science-and-governance questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
AEC Atomic Energy Commission — The body set up in 1958 with full executive and financial powers to formulate DAE policy.
NPCIL Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited — One of the 5 public sector undertakings of DAE, based at Mumbai.
Background
In a federation the powers and functions of government are divided between two governments; in India these are the Union Government and the various State Governments.
With the passage of the 73rd and 74th amendment acts of the Constitution of India, in 1993 (as the Ministry of Panchayati Raj's page puts it), the division of powers and functions was further trickled down to Local Self Governments.
These are the Panchayat at village levels and the Municipalities and Municipal Corporations in towns and large cities.
As such, India now has not two but three tiers of governments in its federal set-up.
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj looks into all matters relating to Panchayati Raj and Panchayati Raj Institutions; it was created in May 2004 and is headed by a minister of cabinet rank.
Amendments:
73rd and 74th
Year given on the Ministry page:
1993
Tiers of government:
Three
Ministry of Panchayati Raj created:
May 2004
Why it matters for exams: The 73rd and 74th Amendments created the third tier of government; examiners pair them with Panchayats versus Municipalities and the three-tier federal structure.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
PRI Panchayati Raj Institution — A local self-government body at the village level, as described by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
Background
The idea of Zonal Councils was mooted by the first Prime Minister of India in 1956, during the debate on the report of the States Re-organisation Commission; he suggested grouping the States into four or five zones, each with an Advisory Council.
Five Zonal Councils were set up vide Part-III of the States Re-organisation Act, 1956.
As listed on the Ministry of Home Affairs page, the Southern Zonal Council comprises Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and the Union Territory of Puducherry.
The Union Home Minister is the Chairman of each Council; the Chief Ministers of the States in each zone act as Vice-Chairman by rotation, each holding office for a period of one year at a time.
Each Zonal Council has a Standing Committee consisting of the Chief Secretaries of its member States.
The North Eastern States are not included in the Zonal Councils; their special problems are looked after by the North Eastern Council, set up under the North Eastern Council Act, 1972.
The Councils are advisory bodies.
Number of Zonal Councils:
Five
Set up under:
States Re-organisation Act, 1956 (Part-III)
Chairman:
Union Home Minister
Vice-Chairman term:
One year at a time, by rotation
North Eastern Council set up under:
North Eastern Council Act, 1972
Why it matters for exams: Zonal Councils are a statutory (not constitutional) forum; the parent Act, the chair and rotating vice-chair, and the North Eastern Council exception are classic Centre-State relations questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
NEC North Eastern Council — The body set up under the North Eastern Council Act, 1972 to look after the special problems of the North Eastern States.
Background
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) is a constitutional body established under Article 338 of the Constitution of India, as described on its website.
In July 1978 the Government of India decided to set up a Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, by a Ministry of Home Affairs Resolution dated 21st July, 1978.
A Ministry of Welfare Resolution dated 1.09.1987 modified its functions and renamed it the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
The first Commission under the Constitution (65th Amendment) Act was constituted on 12.03.1992, replacing the Commissioner for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and the Commission set up under the Ministry of Welfare's Resolution of 1987.
Consequent upon the Constitution (Eighty-Ninth Amendment) Act, 2003, a notification dated 30.09.2003 replaced the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes with two bodies: the National Commission for Scheduled Castes and the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes.
The rules of the National Commission for Scheduled Castes were framed by the NCSC and notified on 20 February, 2004.
Constitutional basis:
Article 338
First Commission under the 65th Amendment Act constituted:
12.03.1992
Replaced by two commissions (89th Amendment):
30.09.2003
Rules notified:
20 February, 2004
Why it matters for exams: The Article 338 link and the 65th and 89th Amendment sequence that produced separate SC and ST commissions are frequently tested.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
NCST National Commission for Scheduled Tribes — The separate commission for Scheduled Tribes that came into being with the NCSC after the 2003 split.
Background
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) was established on 18.10.2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
It deals with cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources, including enforcement of any legal right relating to environment and giving relief and compensation for damages to persons and property.
The Tribunal is mandated to make an endeavour for disposal of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing.
New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting; Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are the other four places of sitting.
It is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, but is guided by principles of natural justice; it is vested with the powers of a civil court under that Code for discharging its functions.
Established:
18.10.2010
Parent Act:
National Green Tribunal Act 2010
Disposal norm:
Within 6 months of filing
Principal Place of Sitting:
New Delhi
Why it matters for exams: Establishment date, parent Act, the 6-month disposal norm and the five places of sitting are standard polity and environment-law facts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
CPC Code of Civil Procedure — The 1908 Code that lays down the procedure for civil cases; the NGT is not bound by its procedure.
Background
The Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY) began with an announcement in 2003 of six AIIMS-type hospitals. The scheme was approved in March 2006. Its primary objective is to correct regional imbalances in the availability of affordable and reliable tertiary level healthcare, and to improve medical education in under-served or backward States. Besides new AIIMS, PMSSY also covers upgradation of existing government medical colleges. As per the PIB release cited here (2017), 19 AIIMS and 71 medical colleges or institutions were being taken up. That release lists Kerala only under upgradation: Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode and Alappuzha medical colleges.
Announced:
2003 (six AIIMS-type hospitals)
Scheme approved:
March 2006
AIIMS undertaken (per 2017 PIB release):
19
Medical colleges for upgradation (per 2017 PIB release):
71
Why it matters for exams: PMSSY is a standard Union health-scheme question, and its objective of correcting regional imbalance is the examinable core.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
PMSSY Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana — A Union health scheme for AIIMS-type institutions and upgradation of government medical colleges.
AIIMS All India Institute of Medical Sciences — A tertiary-care medical institution set up under PMSSY in many States.
6 October 2026
The United Nations Human Rights Council, a 47-member body that meets in Geneva, adopted a resolution extending the mandate of its independent international fact-finding mission for Sudan. The vote was 28 in favour, 10 against and 9 abstentions. The resolution demands an immediate and complete ceasefire by all parties without preconditions, and calls for an independent monitoring mechanism and the restoration of basic infrastructure. It condemns violations of international humanitarian law by both the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, including indiscriminate attacks against civilians, and condemns outside interference through illicit financial networks, illegal arms transfers and foreign mercenaries.
Vote:
28 in favour, 10 against, 9 abstentions
Council membership:
47
Seat:
Geneva
Why it matters for exams: The Human Rights Council's membership of 47, its Geneva seat and the voting split on Sudan are exactly the details an examiner uses to separate it from the Security Council.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Fact-finding mission Independent international fact-finding mission for the Sudan — An investigative body answerable to the Human Rights Council that gathers evidence of violations.
6 October 2026
Tipra Motha Party chief Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma said in a Facebook post on the night of 6 October that he will not remain in active politics after next month. PTI (ThePrint) reported that he cited health issues; UNI reported that he said he believed the tribal community had achieved political unity and a greater awareness of its constitutional rights. He asked party workers to organise a mega rally next month, inviting all village committee chairpersons, so that he can address them once more from a political platform. He urged the Centre to implement the Tiprasa Accord, signed in March 2024 with the Union and state governments, and said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had assured that implementation would begin after Durga Puja. The announcement came as the BJP-Tipra Motha alliance swept the TTAADC village committee polls.
Leader:
Pradyot Kishore Manikya Debbarma
Party:
Tipra Motha Party
Accord cited:
Tiprasa Accord (March 2024)
Facebook post:
6 October 2026
Why it matters for exams: Names of party heads and the accords tied to Tripura's tribal politics are regular state-affairs questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Tiprasa Accord Tripartite accord of March 2024 — An agreement between Tipra Motha, the Tripura government and the Centre on the issues of Tripura's indigenous people.
6 October 2026
Elections were held to 587 Village Committees of the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC), covering 2,634 constituencies and 4,597 seats. Of these, 167 Village Committees with 1,644 seats were uncontested. Results were declared for 4,594 seats, with three seats remaining vacant. The BJP-Tipra Motha alliance won 4,320 of the 4,594 seats, of which the BJP won 859 and its ally IPFT 33. UNI described TIPRA Motha as the dominant political force across the Village Committees.
Village Committees:
587
Total seats:
4,597
Alliance seats:
4,320 of 4,594 declared
BJP / IPFT:
859 / 33
Why it matters for exams: Grassroots tribal self-government in Tripura and the TTAADC village committee polls are likely state-polity questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
TTAADC Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council — The elected council that administers the tribal areas of Tripura.
6 October 2026
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae met families of abductees and others at the Prime Minister's Office on 6 October 2026.
Those present included Chairman Furuya of the Parliamentary League on the Abductions Issue, Ms. Yokota, Mr. Iizuka and Mr. Nishioka.
She thanked the group for their recent visit to the United States, where they sought help from officials, lawmakers and experts.
She said she had raised the issue in her speech to the United Nations General Assembly and with leaders she has met since taking office.
She described the matter as a humanitarian issue on which there is no time to lose, and noted that the previous day had been Megumi Yokota's birthday.
She pledged to work with the Chief Cabinet Secretary towards the return of the abductees to their homeland.
Date:
6 October 2026
Venue:
Prime Minister's Office, Tokyo
Parliamentary League chairman:
Chairman Furuya
Why it matters for exams: The abductions issue is a fixed element of Japan's policy towards North Korea and appears in questions on North-East Asian relations.
UPSC
In plain words
Chief Cabinet Secretary Chief Cabinet Secretary — The Japanese Cabinet's coordinating minister and chief government spokesperson.
6 October 2026
Karnataka Chief Minister D K Shivakumar felicitated the State's Asian Games 2026 medal winners at Vidhana Soudha.
Gold now earns Rs 1 crore (earlier Rs 35 lakh), silver Rs 75 lakh (earlier Rs 25 lakh) and bronze Rs 50 lakh (earlier Rs 15 lakh).
The eight medallists get Rs 8 crore in total, and all 20 Karnataka participants get Rs 5 lakh each.
A 2 per cent reservation for sportspersons in direct recruitment was notified on October 3.
Asian Games and Commonwealth Games medallists are also eligible for direct recruitment to Group-B posts.
Gold reward:
Rs 1 crore
Silver reward:
Rs 75 lakh
Bronze reward:
Rs 50 lakh
Participation incentive:
Rs 5 lakh each
Sports quota in recruitment:
2 per cent
Why it matters for exams: State sports incentives and reservation in recruitment are typical sports and governance questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Direct recruitment Direct recruitment — Filling government posts by open selection rather than promotion.
6 October 2026
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told Parliament on Tuesday that about 10,000 people had been sent back to Myanmar since January, some on flights arranged by Myanmar's government and nearly 1,500 by sea in the previous week.
He said Myanmar authorities had given assurances that returnees would not be harmed, and that Myanmar must treat its people fairly, with no abuses, coercion or rights violations.
The United Nations refugee agency said its staff were not allowed to meet the Myanmar nationals, so it could not confirm that their decisions to return were genuinely free and informed.
Human Rights Watch, in a statement issued the same day, asked Malaysia to grant the agency full and unimpeded access to all immigration detention centres.
More than 50,000 refugees were detained in Malaysia during 2026 as immigration raids widened.
Anwar said he would continue to discuss the matter with Myanmar's president, who was due in Kuala Lumpur within days.
Sent back since January:
about 10,000
Returned by sea in the previous week:
nearly 1,500
Refugees detained in Malaysia in 2026:
more than 50,000
Why it matters for exams: The figures and the access question are the kind of detail an examiner uses to test a candidate on refugee protection and the principle of non-refoulement.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Non-refoulement The rule against returning a person to danger — The principle that a person must not be sent back to a country where they face serious harm.
6 October 2026
World Trade Organization members meeting in the General Council on 5 and 6 October took up WTO reform, follow-up to past ministerial conferences and the state of ongoing negotiations.
The Chair of the General Council, Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand, said the one overall time frame members have in mind is the 15th Ministerial Conference, for which dates have not been fixed.
Nearly 60 speakers took the floor on the reform item, discussing the foundational principles of the multilateral trading system and development concerns.
Several members said the discussion should move from process to substance and focus on concrete proposals.
The Chair said dispute settlement reform talks are proceeding under the Dispute Settlement Body, whose Chair is Ambassador Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota of Brazil.
Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala called on delegations to put forward more concrete proposals.
Members also discussed the Agreement on Electronic Commerce and emerging agricultural trade issues.
Meeting dates:
5-6 October 2026
General Council Chair:
Ambassador Clare Kelly, New Zealand
Speakers on the reform item:
nearly 60
Why it matters for exams: The WTO's internal organs, its Director-General and the ministerial conference cycle are frequently asked in economy and international organisation papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
General Council WTO General Council — The WTO's highest decision-making body between ministerial conferences, made up of all members.
DSB Dispute Settlement Body — The WTO body that administers the rules for settling trade disputes between members.
MC15 15th Ministerial Conference — The next WTO ministerial conference; the dates had not been fixed as of this meeting.
6 October 2026
A Supreme Court bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana dismissed a writ petition on October 6, 2026.
The case is Tapasmita Sutar versus Union of India, Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1224 of 2026, filed by a bench clerk in the district judiciary.
The petition sought to have a bench clerk's service treated as equivalent to a law clerk's for the one-year legal practice requirement to sit the judicial service examination.
Justice Bagchi said the duties of a bench clerk are ministerial rather than intellectual and that the post is clerical in nature.
The Court described the distinction between the two kinds of experience as a reasonable classification, because a law clerk's role is of a different character.
The Chief Justice said the Court was willing to help young candidates but could not waive the one-year practice requirement, which the Supreme Court had reduced from three years in August 2026.
Case:
Tapasmita Sutar v. Union of India, W.P.(C) No. 1224/2026
Bench:
Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana
Practice requirement:
one year
Why it matters for exams: The minimum practice requirement for judicial service entry has changed twice in recent years, and this ruling fixes what counts as practice, a favourite question in polity and judiciary sections.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
Law clerk Research assistant to a judge — A young law graduate who assists a judge with research; this experience counts towards the practice requirement.
Bench clerk Court staff attached to a courtroom — A member of the court's establishment whose duties the Supreme Court described as ministerial and clerical.