Background
Article 18 of the UN Charter gives each member of the General Assembly one vote. Decisions on important questions require a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting; these include recommendations on international peace and security and the election of the non-permanent members of the Security Council. Decisions on other questions are by simple majority. All 193 Member States are represented, making the Assembly the only UN body with universal representation. It elects a President each year to serve a one-year term.
Votes per member:
one
Majority for important questions:
two-thirds of members present and voting
Member States represented:
193
Why it matters for exams: The one-member-one-vote rule and the two-thirds threshold are standard questions, often set against the Security Council's voting rule.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Under Article 23 of the UN Charter the Security Council consists of fifteen Members: five permanent members (China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected by the General Assembly for a term of two years. Each member has one vote. Under Article 27, decisions on procedural matters need an affirmative vote of nine members. Decisions on all other matters need an affirmative vote of nine members including the concurring votes of the permanent members, which is the basis of the power popularly called the veto. The Council has primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security.
Members:
15 (5 permanent, 10 non-permanent)
Term of non-permanent members:
two years
Votes needed for substantive decisions:
nine, including the permanent members
Why it matters for exams: Composition, terms and the voting formula of the Security Council are among the most frequently examined UN facts.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Article 7 of the UN Charter establishes six principal organs: the General Assembly, the Security Council, the Economic and Social Council, the Trusteeship Council, the International Court of Justice and the Secretariat. All were established under the Charter when the Organization was founded. The International Court of Justice is the only one of the six not located in New York (United States of America). The Secretariat is headed by the Secretary-General, the Chief Administrative Officer of the Organization.
Principal organs:
6
Charter provision:
Article 7
Organ outside New York:
International Court of Justice
Why it matters for exams: Questions on which UN organ does what, and which is located where, recur in general studies papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Charter Act enacted by the British Parliament vested legislative power for the first time in a single authority, the Governor-General in Council.
It created an office of Law Member and provided for the appointment of a Law Commission.
Section 53 is described as the legislative mainspring of law reform in India.
The First Law Commission, with Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay as First Law Member, produced a draft of the Penal Code.
Four Law Commissions were constituted in the British period; their labour produced the Indian Code of Civil Procedure, the Indian Contract Act, the Indian Evidence Act and the Transfer of Property Act.
First Law Member:
Lord Thomas Babington Macaulay
Legislative mainspring of law reform:
Section 53 of the Charter Act
Law Commissions in the British period:
Four
Draft by the First Law Commission:
Penal Code
Why it matters for exams: The origin of the Law Commission and the drafting of the Penal Code under Macaulay are staple modern-history and polity facts.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Article 315 provides for Public Service Commissions for the Union and for the States.
Article 316 covers the appointment and term of office of members; Article 317 covers removal and suspension of a member.
Article 318 gives power to make regulations on conditions of service; Article 319 prohibits members from holding certain offices after they cease to be members.
Article 320 lists the functions of Public Service Commissions; Article 321 gives power to extend those functions.
Article 322 deals with expenses and Article 323 with reports of the Commissions.
Commissions for Union and States:
Article 315
Removal and suspension of a member:
Article 317
Functions:
Article 320
Power to extend functions:
Article 321
Why it matters for exams: The Article numbers 315 to 323 are asked directly in polity questions on constitutional bodies.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Article 148 provides for a Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
He can be removed only in like manner and on like grounds as a Judge of the Supreme Court.
After he ceases to hold office he is not eligible for further office under the Government of India or of any State.
The administrative expenses of his office are charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India.
Under Article 151, his reports on the accounts of the Union are submitted to the President, who causes them to be laid before each House of Parliament.
Appointed by:
The President, by warrant under his hand and seal
Removal:
Like a Judge of the Supreme Court
Union audit reports:
Submitted to the President (Article 151)
Office expenses:
Charged upon the Consolidated Fund of India
Why it matters for exams: Articles 148 to 151 are a staple of polity papers, especially the appointment, removal and reporting rules.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSCBank
Background
The United Nations lists the country as Netherlands (Kingdom of the), admitted on 10-12-1945. The Kingdom of the Netherlands has declared that it recognizes as compulsory the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice under Article 36, paragraph 2, of the Court's Statute. The declaration is dated 21 February 2017 and replaced the earlier declaration of 1 August 1956. It covers disputes arising from situations or facts that took place no earlier than one hundred years before the dispute is brought to the Court.
UN date of admission:
10-12-1945
ICJ compulsory-jurisdiction declaration:
21 February 2017
Time limit on facts covered:
one hundred years
Why it matters for exams: Membership of the UN and acceptance of ICJ compulsory jurisdiction (Article 36(2), the 'optional clause') are standard international-law topics.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
According to the Indian Embassy in The Hague, the Netherlands has the second largest population of people of Indian origin in Europe, next only to the UK, with about 240,000 members of the Indian Diaspora. This includes the Hindustani-Surinami community, whose forebears left India nearly 150 years ago and which is wholly integrated into Dutch society while keeping deep cultural links with India. The community has sent two Members of Parliament, Daulatram Ramlal and Tanja Jadnansing, to the Dutch Parliament. Statues of Gandhiji stand in Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht and Zoetermeer, and Gandhi Jayanthi is a major event. The Netherlands India Association (NIA) and the Netherlands India Chamber of Commerce and Trade (NICCT) are among the organisations linking the two countries.
Indian Diaspora in the Netherlands:
about 240,000
Europe rank by Indian-origin population:
2nd, after the UK
Gandhi statues in:
Amsterdam, The Hague, Utrecht, Zoetermeer
Why it matters for exams: Diaspora facts, Pravasi Bharatiya Divas and Gandhian legacy abroad feature in general awareness and international relations papers.
Kerala PSCUPSC
29 September 2026
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar co-chaired the India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Troika Ministerial Meeting in New York on the sidelines of the 81st Session of the United Nations General Assembly. In a social media post, he said the meeting reviewed progress of the India-GCC Joint Action Plan 2024-28 and discussed ways to advance the partnership. He welcomed the launch of negotiations for the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement. India looks forward to strengthening ties in trade, investment, energy, food security, health, new technologies, culture and people-to-people exchanges. Dr Jaishankar also reiterated India's strong commitment to freedom of navigation and the safety of seafarers and commercial shipping.
Meeting:
India-GCC Troika Ministerial Meeting, New York
Plan reviewed:
Joint Action Plan 2024-28
Held alongside:
81st Session of the UN General Assembly
Why it matters for exams: India-GCC ministerial mechanisms, the Joint Action Plan and FTA talks are frequent international-relations topics; the Gulf is central to Kerala's expatriate economy.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
29 September 2026
Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J. P. Nadda addressed the inaugural event of Aarogya Manthan 2026 in New Delhi on 25 September 2026. The event marks eight years of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana and five years of Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission. Mr Nadda said the treatment of 90 per cent of cancer cases starts within thirty days under the scheme, that around 13 crore patients have been treated so far and that nearly two lakh crore rupees have been disbursed by the National Health Authority. Ayushman Bharat is now implemented in all 36 States and Union Territories. He presented awards to best-performing States and Union Territories under both schemes and launched the National Healthcare Providers Registry Mobile App and the Secure Data Environment application.
AB PM-JAY:
Eight years
ABDM:
Five years
Patients treated:
Around 13 crore
Implemented in:
All 36 States and Union Territories
Why it matters for exams: Anniversaries, coverage figures and digital-health launches under AB PM-JAY and ABDM are regular current-affairs questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations.
Its seat is at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands.
It is the only one of the six principal UN organs not located in New York.
The Court has 15 judges who serve nine-year terms, elected by the General Assembly and the Security Council.
It was established in June 1945 by the UN Charter and began work in April 1946.
Seat:
Peace Palace, The Hague
Judges:
15
Term of office:
Nine years
Began work:
April 1946
Why it matters for exams: The ICJ's seat and composition are frequent UN-system questions, and it is the UN organ based in the Netherlands.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The official DIPR profile places Peren district at an altitude of 1,445 meters above sea level and lists 79 recognised villages.
The main crops are paddy, ginger, maize and King Chilli.
Seven significant rivers flow through it: Mbeiki, Tepuiki, Tesangki, Mungleuki, Nguiki, Ntangki and Tehaiki.
The District Commissioner's office is at Peren, the Additional DC office at Tening and the SDO office at Jalukie.
Attractions include Mt. Pauna, Ntangki National Park and Benreu Tourist Village.
Altitude:
1,445 meters above sea level
Recognised villages:
79
Significant rivers:
Seven
National park:
Ntangki National Park
Why it matters for exams: Tests Nagaland district geography, protected areas and administrative centres.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Naga People's Convention was formed in 1957.
The 16 Point Agreement was signed on 26 July 1960 between the Naga People's Convention and the Government of India.
Article 371(A) was inserted into Part XXI of the Constitution in 1962 through the Constitution (13th Amendment) Act, with special provisions on land ownership and resource transfer in Nagaland.
Nagaland celebrates 1st December 1963 as its statehood date, and the 62nd Statehood Day was marked on 1 December 2024.
16 Point Agreement:
26 July 1960
Article 371(A) inserted:
1962, 13th Amendment
Statehood date:
1st December 1963
Naga People's Convention formed:
1957
Why it matters for exams: Article 371(A) and the special provisions for Nagaland are staple polity topics.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Longleng became a full Revenue District on 24 January 2004, as the tenth district of Nagaland, created by dividing Tuensang District.
It began as a town in 1951 under Shri Ranjan, Assistant Political Officer.
The headquarters at Longleng Town lies about 1,100m above sea level, and major towns include Longleng and Tamlu.
It is bordered by Mon District on the east, Mokokchung District on the west, Sivasagar District of Assam on the north and Tuensang District on the south.
The district is known as the Home of the Phom Nagas and is described as the land of clouds because of winter cloud cover.
Became Revenue District:
24 January 2004
Order among districts:
Tenth
Headquarters altitude:
about 1,100m
Principal tribe:
Phom
Why it matters for exams: Tests district formation dates, tribes and neighbouring districts in Nagaland.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Zunheboto district was formed on 19th December 1973 and is home to the Sumi Nagas.
It lies in the heart of Nagaland, bordered by Mokokchung and Tuensang districts to the north, Phek to the south, Kiphire to the east, and Wokha and Kohima to the west.
The official district profile gives the town altitude as 1,874m above sea level and lists 167 recognised villages.
The major rivers are the Tizu, Tsutha and Tapu (Doyang), and the important festivals are Tuluni and Ahuna.
The district is known as the Land of Warriors and has the Ghosü Wildlife Bird Sanctuary at Ghukiye Village.
Formed:
19th December 1973
Town altitude:
1,874m above sea level
Recognised villages:
167
Festivals:
Tuluni and Ahuna
Why it matters for exams: Tests Nagaland district formation dates, tribes, rivers and festivals.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
Mon district was carved out of the Tuensang district on 21st December 1973.
It covers 1,786 sq km, which is 10.77% of Nagaland's total area, and ranks as the 3rd largest district in the state.
Its primary inhabitants are the Konyak people, divided into Thendu and Thentho groups, with eight Chief Anghs ruling major villages.
The Census 2011 recorded 250,260 persons, a density of 140 persons per sq km and a literacy rate of 56.99%.
The district has 131 villages and two statutory towns, Mon Town and Naginimora Town, and includes the Singphan Wildlife Sanctuary of 23.57 sq km.
Formed:
21st December 1973
Area:
1,786 sq km
Population (Census 2011):
250,260
Literacy (Census 2011):
56.99%
Why it matters for exams: Tests district formation dates, tribes and Census figures for Nagaland.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
29 September 2026
Deputy Commissioner Polan John, NCS, held a review meeting on the anti-drug campaign on 24 September 2026 at the DC's office chamber, Chumoukedima.
Departments were directed to submit activity reports for compilation and follow-up review.
He stressed the need to identify and verify illegal or unauthorised de-addiction and rehabilitation centres in accordance with Central Government guidelines.
The meeting also focused on Drug-Free Campus initiatives, with the Deputy Commissioner suggesting awareness programmes in selected schools and the formation of Drug Awareness Clubs involving students and teachers.
Youth engagement through sports and constructive activities was also emphasised.
Meeting date:
24 September 2026
Chaired by:
DC Polan John, NCS
Campus programme:
Drug-Free Campus
Student bodies:
Drug Awareness Clubs
Why it matters for exams: Covers district administration and anti-drug initiatives such as drug-free campuses.
Kerala PSCSSC
29 September 2026
Deputy Commissioner Ajit Kumar Verma (IAS) held an emergency coordination meeting on 26 September 2026 at the DC's Conference Hall, Mokokchung.
Sr. SP Vesupra Kezo (NPS) and representatives of Ao civil society organisations, village councils, wards and municipal authorities attended.
The meeting addressed deaths and hospitalisations after consumption of suspected adulterated liquor in the Mangkolemba Sub-division.
Sr. SP Vesupra Kezo (NPS) informed the meeting that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) had been formed to investigate the death cases and that post-mortem samples were sent for investigation; six individuals under Mangkolemba Sub-division were arrested for sale of liquor, with their seized consignments sent for lab testing.
The meeting resolved on zero tolerance against those involved in the sale, transportation, manufacture and storage of liquor in the district; law enforcement agencies are to intensify checking and raids, and the police department is to provide one vehicle for daily patrolling of public areas.
Civil society organisations were also asked to support the enforcing agencies and spread awareness.
Meeting date:
26 September 2026
Sub-division:
Mangkolemba
Arrests:
Six individuals
Body formed:
Special Investigation Team (SIT)
Why it matters for exams: Tests district-level administration, law-and-order coordination and the role of an SIT in state governance questions.
Kerala PSCSSC
29 September 2026
The Nagaland Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Frontier Nagaland Territorial Authority (FNTA) Bill, 2026 on 3 September 2026, during the 9th session of the 14th Assembly at Kohima.
Deputy Chief Minister Y Patton moved the Bill for consideration and passing, with an amendment to the preamble, and Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio made the concluding remarks.
The FNTA covers six districts of Eastern Nagaland: Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire, Noklak and Shamator.
It follows the Memorandum of Agreement signed on 5 February 2026 by the Government of India, the Government of Nagaland and the Eastern Nagaland Peoples' Organisation (ENPO).
Under that agreement 46 subjects will be devolved to the FNTA, and the agreement does not affect in any manner the provisions of Article 371(A).
Districts covered:
6
Subjects to be devolved:
46
Agreement signed:
5 February 2026
Assembly vote:
Unanimous, 3 September 2026
Why it matters for exams: Shows how a territorial authority within a state is created through a Union-state-organisation agreement and a Legislative Assembly Bill, with Article 371(A) protected.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
29 September 2026
The Sixteenth Kerala Legislative Assembly has been summoned to meet for its second session at 9.00 a.m. on Monday, 12 October 2026, according to the Kerala Legislature website. The session is scheduled from 12 to 29 October 2026. Its business is the supplementary demands for grants in the Revised Budget for 2026-27 and demands for excess grants for five financial years. The Legislature has also listed the days on which Ministers answer questions in this session.
Session starts:
12 October 2026
Session ends:
29 October 2026
Why it matters for exams: Legislative session dates and the supplementary-grants procedure are standard polity content for Kerala PSC and UPSC.
Kerala PSCUPSC