1 October 2026
The transfer of the Mangaluru railway area from the Palakkad division of Southern Railway to the Mysuru division of South Western Railway took effect on 1 October 2026.
The Railway Board issued the notification on 21 August 2026, and operational control shifted to Mysuru on 30 September.
The new zonal boundary is at km 872.900 on the Shoranur Junction-Mangaluru Central section, and the jurisdiction transferred extends up to and including Ullal in Dakshina Kannada district.
Mangaluru Central, Mangaluru Junction, the goods shed and the marshalling yard move to the Mysuru division.
The interchange between the two zones has been shifted from Padil to Ullal, and Thokur is now the interchange between the Konkan Railway and the Mysuru division.
After the change, Palakkad division's limit on that line is around Ullal, about 35 km from Kasaragod on the Kerala side of the Netravathi river; the division had earlier lost the Coimbatore section to the newly created Salem division in 2007.
Chief Minister V D Satheesan urged the Centre to reconsider the decision, saying the transferred area accounts for more than 90 per cent of the Palakkad division's freight revenue, estimated at around Rs 650 crore, and more than half of its total revenue of about Rs 1,650 crore.
Effective date:
1 October 2026
New zonal boundary:
km 872.900, Shoranur Junction-Mangaluru Central section
Palakkad division total revenue:
about Rs 1,650 crore
Why it matters for exams: Railway zones and divisions are repeat map-and-institution questions, and this change redraws a boundary that runs through Kerala.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
In plain words
Marshalling yard Marshalling yard — A railway yard where goods wagons are sorted and made up into trains.
Background
COP30, the United Nations Climate Change Conference, took place in Belém, Brazil from 10 to 21 November 2025. Mercosur was established through the Treaty of Asunción in 1991 by Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. Brazil is also an original member of BRICS: Brazil, Russia, India and China formed the initial group, with the first summit in 2009, and South Africa joined in 2010.
COP30 host city:
Belém
Mercosur founding treaty:
Treaty of Asunción, 1991
BRICS first summit:
2009
Why it matters for exams: Questions on summit venues and regional or economic groupings recur; this ties Brazil to three of them.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Japan and India concluded a separate peace treaty on 28 April 1952, marking the beginning of diplomatic relations.
The two countries have shared a Special Strategic and Global Partnership since 2014.
During the Indian Prime Minister's visit to Japan on 29-30 August 2025, they adopted the Joint Vision for the Next Decade.
They also agreed to facilitate 10 trillion yen of Japanese private investment in India over the next decade.
Peace treaty and start of diplomatic relations:
28 April 1952
Special Strategic and Global Partnership since:
2014
Joint Vision for the Next Decade adopted:
29-30 August 2025
Japanese private investment to be facilitated (trillion yen):
10
Why it matters for exams: Dates of establishing relations and the level of partnership are the standard questions on a country's ties with India.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
A Press Information Bureau release states that under the Forest Rights Act, 2006 the Gram Sabha has been assigned a substantial role in implementing the Act. The Gram Sabha initiates the process of determining the nature and extent of individual or community forest rights by receiving claims, consolidating and verifying them, preparing a map of each recommended claim and passing a resolution, a copy of which goes to the Sub-Divisional Level Committee. It is also tasked with protecting wildlife, forest and biodiversity under Section 5.
Year of the Act:
2006
Body that initiates determination of forest rights:
Gram Sabha
Resolution forwarded to:
Sub-Divisional Level Committee
Why it matters for exams: The Forest Rights Act links environment, tribal welfare and local self-government, and appears in all three sections.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Why it matters now: painting of the 149 houses designated for immediate handover is due by 31 October, with handover by lottery in November.
The model township for survivors of the Mundakkai-Chooralmala landslide is being built on Elstone Estate near Kalpetta.
A total of 410 houses are planned, and the first phase of 178 houses was inaugurated on 1 March 2026.
The project is to house about 1,662 people on 64.4 hectares.
Roads are due by December, with the hospital building and commercial centres targeted before New Year.
Total houses planned:
410
First phase houses:
178
Residents expected:
1,662
Why it matters for exams: Rehabilitation after the Wayanad landslide is a likely PSC topic spanning disaster management and housing.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Why it matters now: a Private Universities Bill is listed for the Assembly session that begins on 12 October 2026.
The Kerala State Private Universities (Establishment and Regulation) Bill was passed by the Assembly in March 2025.
As passed, it requires sponsoring bodies to set up a minimum Rs 25 crore endowment fund and hold at least 10 acres of land.
40% of seats in each course are reserved for permanent Kerala residents, and the Bill excludes foreign universities.
Minimum endowment fund:
₹25 crore
Minimum land:
10 acres
Seats reserved for Kerala residents:
40%
Why it matters for exams: Higher-education policy and the legislation behind it are regular polity and current-affairs topics.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Why it matters now: the Bill renaming the State Keralam completed its passage through Parliament in August 2026 and received Presidential assent.
The Union Cabinet approved the proposal on 24 February 2026, and the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 passed the Lok Sabha on 11 August and the Rajya Sabha on 12 August 2026.
President Murmu gave assent on 18 August 2026.
Under Article 3 the President refers such a Bill to the State Legislature for its views before it is introduced in Parliament.
The Assembly's resolution of 24 June 2024 said the name of the State in Malayalam is Keralam; the Bill changes the First Schedule.
Cabinet approval:
24 February 2026
Presidential assent:
18 August 2026
Assembly resolution:
24 June 2024
Why it matters for exams: How Parliament alters State names under Article 3 is a favourite polity question.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Why it matters now: on 29 September 2026 the High Court quashed a government order abolishing the Kerala Police Officers Association, holding that it infringed rights under Article 19(1)(c).
The High Court of Kerala was established on 01-11-1956 under the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 and inaugurated on 05-11-1956.
It succeeded the High Court of Travancore-Cochin, inaugurated at Ernakulam on 07-07-1949.
Its principal seat is Ernakulam and its jurisdiction covers Kerala and the Union Territory of Lakshadweep.
Justice Anna Chandy was the first woman High Court judge in India and Justice M. Fathima Beevi the first woman judge of the Supreme Court.
Established:
1 November 1956
Principal seat:
Ernakulam
Predecessor court inaugurated:
7 July 1949
Why it matters for exams: Court history, seats and 'firsts' are staple Kerala PSC questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
1 October 2026
Justice Harisankar V. Menon of the Kerala High Court ruled on 28 September 2026 on a suo motu case that began with a breast cancer patient's plea about the cost of Ribociclib.
The court held that Section 100 of the Patents Act, 1970 lets the Central government make patented medicines and supply them to patients on a non-commercial basis when prices are exorbitant.
It did not order the Centre to act, saying whether to invoke Section 100 is a policy decision for the Central government.
The ruling also drew on Articles 21 and 47 of the Constitution.
Judge:
Justice Harisankar V. Menon
Provision:
Section 100, Patents Act, 1970
Drug in the case:
Ribociclib
Why it matters for exams: Patent law, public health and the Directive Principles meet in this ruling, a likely linking question.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The joint announcement of establishment of diplomatic relations at Ambassadorial level between India and Egypt was made on 18 August 1947. During the State Visit of Prime Minister Modi in June 2023, an agreement was signed upgrading bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership. Bilateral trade touched a high of USD 7.26 billion in FY 2021-22. For FY 2024-25, overall bilateral trade was US$4.8 billion, made up of US$3.42 billion exports to Egypt and US$1.46 billion imports from Egypt.
Relations announced:
18 August 1947
Strategic Partnership agreement:
June 2023
Bilateral trade, FY 2024-25:
US$4.8 billion
Why it matters for exams: Date of establishing relations, the strategic partnership and the trade balance are typical bilateral-relations questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Cairo is the capital of Egypt and one of the largest cities in Africa, on the banks of the Nile near ancient Memphis. The League of Arab States (Arab League) was formed in Cairo on 22 March 1945, with Egypt among its founding members; its headquarters is in Cairo, though it was moved to Tunis in 1979 and later back to Cairo. Egypt is also a member of BRICS, having joined in 2024 with Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.
Capital:
Cairo
Arab League formed:
22 March 1945
Arab League headquarters:
Cairo
Why it matters for exams: Capital cities, headquarters of international organisations and new BRICS members are frequently asked.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
India and Brazil established diplomatic relations in 1948, with both countries opening embassies in the same year. Relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2006. The two cooperate through BRICS, IBSA, G20, G-4, the International Solar Alliance, the Global Biofuel Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. Bilateral trade was USD 15.21 billion in 2025, up 25% from USD 12.20 billion in 2024. The Indian community in Brazil is estimated at around 4,000 people, mostly in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro.
Diplomatic relations established:
1948
Strategic Partnership:
2006
Bilateral trade:
USD 15.21 billion
Indian community:
around 4,000
Why it matters for exams: Year of establishing relations, strategic partnership and shared forums are classic bilateral-relations questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Under Japan's Constitution the Emperor is the symbol of the State and of the unity of the people and has no powers related to government.
The Diet is the highest organ of state power and the sole law-making organ of the State.
The Cabinet consists of the Prime Minister, who is its head, and other Ministers of State.
The Prime Minister is designated from among the members of the Diet by a resolution of the Diet.
Article 9 renounces war as a sovereign right of the nation. Tokyo is the national capital.
Emperor's role:
Symbol of the State
Highest organ of state power:
The Diet
War renounced in:
Article 9
Capital:
Tokyo
Why it matters for exams: The Emperor, Diet and Prime Minister as offices, and Article 9, are core Japan questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
1 October 2026
UN News reported on 29 September 2026 that UNHCR warns 8.3 million refugees and other forcibly displaced and stateless people risk losing vital assistance.
UNHCR funding fell from $5.178 billion in 2024 to $3.932 billion in 2025.
By July 2026 only 32% of the $8.5 billion needed had been received.
The agency cut its workforce by one-third in 2025 and closed 140 office locations.
Its report says: "Below a certain threshold the system doesn't shrink, it fails".
Refugees and other displaced people at risk:
8.3 million
Share of $8.5 billion received by July 2026:
32%
Offices closed:
140
Why it matters for exams: Humanitarian funding and the UN refugee system feature in world-affairs and UN-institution questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
1 October 2026
UN News reported on 30 September 2026 that fresh fighting erupted in Baidoa, South West State.
The clashes were between government forces and fighters loyal to a former regional president ousted in March.
Children were killed and injured, and a health facility was damaged.
Across Somalia 2 million children are acutely or severely malnourished, and 26,000 people in Baidoa face catastrophic food insecurity.
The World Food Programme, which once reached over 4 million people monthly, now supports only 670,000 people.
WFP Country Director Hameed Nuru said severe funding shortfalls mean it is reaching only a fraction of those in need.
Malnourished children in Somalia:
2 million
Catastrophic food insecurity in Baidoa:
26,000 people
People now supported by WFP:
670,000
Why it matters for exams: Famine, food insecurity and the UN's humanitarian agencies are recurring world-affairs themes.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea sets limits for coastal-state maritime zones, measured from baselines.
Article 3 lets a State set the breadth of its territorial sea up to 12 nautical miles.
Article 33 says the contiguous zone may not extend beyond 24 nautical miles.
Article 57 says the exclusive economic zone shall not extend beyond 200 nautical miles.
Territorial sea:
up to 12 nautical miles
Contiguous zone:
up to 24 nautical miles
Exclusive economic zone:
up to 200 nautical miles
Why it matters for exams: Maritime-zone distances are a favourite numerical recall in international law questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Only States may be parties to contentious cases before the International Court of Justice.
Advisory proceedings before the ICJ are open only to five organs of the United Nations and 16 specialized agencies of the UN family or affiliated organizations.
The International Criminal Court deals with individuals, not States.
It has jurisdiction over genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.
The ICC sits in The Hague, the Netherlands, with 18 judges in three divisions: Pre-Trial, Trial and Appeals.
ICJ contentious cases:
States only
ICC crimes covered:
4
ICC judges:
18
Why it matters for exams: Examiners often test which court hears disputes between States and which tries individuals.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Security Council has five permanent members: China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States.
It also has ten non-permanent members, elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms.
Procedural matters need nine affirmative votes.
All other matters need nine votes including the concurring votes of the permanent members, which is the basis of the veto.
A permanent member may abstain, and the resolution is still adopted if it gets nine favourable votes.
Permanent members:
5
Non-permanent members:
10
Term of non-permanent members:
two years
Votes needed:
nine
Why it matters for exams: Council composition and the veto rule are staple questions on world institutions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
1 October 2026
The 5th Kautilya Economic Conclave, KEC 2026, is scheduled to be held from 3 to 5 October 2026 at New Delhi under the theme "Resilience in an Age of Flux".
The Conclave is an initiative of the Institute of Economic Growth, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, and was first convened in 2022.
The fifth edition will bring together more than 180 policymakers, economists, academics, financial experts and international thought leaders, including over 80 international participants from around 30 countries.
Vice President of India C. P. Radhakrishnan will deliver the inaugural address on October 3, 2026.
Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will deliver the special address at the special plenary "Resilience in an Age of Flux: India's Economic Priorities", and Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar the special concluding address at the session "India and the World: Adaptive by Design".
Reserve Bank of India Governor Sanjay Malhotra will deliver the special address in the plenary "Central Banking in an Age of Flux", chaired by former European Central Bank President Jean-Claude Trichet, while P. K. Mishra, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, delivers the keynote at the opening plenary "A World Priced for Risk" chaired by Lord Nicholas Stern.
The Institute of Economic Growth was founded by Professor V.K.R.V. Rao in 1952. N. K. Singh is President of its Board of Trustees, Michael Debabrata Patra is Chairman of the Board of Governors and Professor Sabyasachi Kar is Director.
Earlier editions carried the themes "Redefining the Future" (2022), "Navigating a World on Fire" (2023), "The Indian Era" (2024) and "Seeking Prosperity in Turbulent Times" (2025).
Edition and dates:
5th Kautilya Economic Conclave, 3 to 5 October 2026
Venue:
New Delhi
Theme:
Resilience in an Age of Flux
Organisers:
Institute of Economic Growth, in partnership with the Ministry of Finance
Participation:
More than 180 participants, including over 80 international participants from around 30 countries
Why it matters for exams: Themes, venues and organisers of major policy conclaves, and the offices of the speakers at them, are standard current affairs questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
In plain words
IEG Institute of Economic Growth — A Delhi-based economic research institute founded in 1952 that convenes the Kautilya Economic Conclave.
1 October 2026
The Kerala Public Service Commission's extraordinary gazette dated 30/09/2026 carries Category Numbers CAT.NO.151/2026 TO CAT.NO.161/2026 for the year 2026.
The last date shown against the gazette is 04-11-2026.
The posts notified include Draftsman Grade-II in the Kerala Ports service (Hydrographic Survey Wing) as Cat.No.151/2026 and Forest Boat Driver (Part-I) under Forest & Wildlife as Cat.No.153/2026.
Forest Boat Driver (Part II-By Transfer) under Forest & Wildlife is Cat.No.154/2026.
Higher Secondary School Teacher - Statistics (SR for ST Only) under Kerala Higher Secondary Education is Cat.No.155/2026, and Draftsman Grade-II / Town Planning Surveyor Grade-II (SR for SC/ST) under the LSG Department (Group IV Planning Wing) is Cat.No.156/2026.
Higher Secondary School Teacher (Jr.) Arabic (VII NCA-SC&ST) is notified as Cat.No.157&158/2026, and Police Constable Driver / Woman Police Constable Driver (I NCA-LC/AI) under Kerala Police as Cat.No.159/2026.
Three entries are for Peon/Watchman posts by direct recruitment from among the part-time employees in KSFE Ltd - Cat.No.152/2026, Cat.No.160/2026 and Cat.No.161/2026.
The Commission's head office is at Thulasi Hills, Pattom Palace P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695 004.
Gazette:
EXTRA ORDINARY GAZETTE DATE 30/09/2026
Category Numbers:
CAT.NO.151/2026 TO CAT.NO.161/2026
Last date:
04-11-2026
Year:
2026
Head office:
Thulasi Hills, Pattom Palace P.O., Thiruvananthapuram 695 004
Why it matters for exams: Kerala PSC aspirants are asked which gazette carried which category number and by when applications close, and the same list shows which service each post belongs to.
Kerala PSC
In plain words
KPSC Kerala Public Service Commission — The State recruitment body that issues these category-numbered notifications through extraordinary gazettes.
KSFE Kerala State Financial Enterprises Ltd — The State-owned chit and loan company whose part-time employees are the feeder group for three of these Peon/Watchman notifications.