29 September 2026
The Kerala Cabinet on 23 September 2026 decided to give ₹8 lakh each to the families of those who lost their lives in the rain-related disasters in Malappuram, Idukki and Kottayam districts. Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan said nine deaths were covered, including a flash flood in the Kottapuzha river near Nilambur and landslides and other rain-related incidents in Idukki and Kottayam. The same meeting decided on a coordinated road safety campaign under the Transport Department, combining awareness with strict action against violations.
Aid per family:
₹8 lakh
Deaths covered:
9
Why it matters for exams: Disaster-relief packages and KSDMA-related decisions are frequent Kerala PSC current-affairs questions.
Kerala PSC
29 September 2026
The Kerala Cabinet meeting of 23 September 2026 decided to dissolve the existing Loka Kerala Sabha and bring in a more efficient alternative mechanism for expatriate welfare. A sub-committee chaired by the Chief Minister, with the Ministers for Industries, Home, Health and Irrigation, will study and prepare a plan to convert the 'remittance economy' into an 'investment economy'. The Cabinet also decided that the state will submit proposals to the Centre on the Western Ghats Ecologically Sensitive Area issue. The state government is now led by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan.
Cabinet meeting:
23 September 2026
Sub-committee chair:
Chief Minister
Why it matters for exams: Cabinet decisions on Kerala's expatriate policy and Loka Kerala Sabha are standard Kerala PSC current-affairs material.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Tuensang is located in the eastern part of Nagaland, bounded by Mon and Longleng Districts in the north and north east, Mokokchung in the northwest, Zunheboto in the southwest, Kiphire in the south, and Myanmar in the east. The whole area of the district is 1,728 sq.km. In the early seventies, at the instance of the Geographical Survey of India in collaboration with the Myanmar Government, 9(nine) RCC pillars touching Tuensang were erected all along the International Border demarcating India and Myanmar. Tuensang town has an average elevation of 1371 metres and is 269 Kms from Kohima via Mokokchung district. It is connected by National Highway 202. The district is inhabited by four major tribes, the Changs, the Yimchungers, the Khiamniungans and the Sangtams, and a sub-tribe, Tikhirs, under the nomenclature of Yimchunger. The most common practice of agriculture is Jhum-Shifting cultivation, and the annual rainfall is 2000mm.
Area:
1,728 sq.km
Boundary pillars:
9(nine) RCC pillars
Elevation of Tuensang town:
1371 metres
Major tribes:
Changs, Yimchungers, Khiamniungans, Sangtams
Why it matters for exams: Tuensang's Myanmar border, the nine RCC boundary pillars and its four major tribes are frequently asked in Northeast geography and tribal-mapping questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Tseminyu District is the 13th district of the Indian state of Nagaland. It was created on December 18, 2021, with the district headquarter located in the town of Tseminyu. It is the homeland of the Rengma Nagas, with a population of 63,269 in 2011 and an area of 256 square kilometres. The district headquarter is 50 km from the State capital, and National Highway-2 passes through the district, traversing a length of approximately 50 km. It is situated at an average altitude of 1261 metres above mean sea level, with mostly hilly terrain and a subtropical climate. Tseminyu shares boundaries with Wokha on the North, Zunheboto on the East, Niuland on the West and Kohima on the South. The district has a community biodiversity and wildlife reserve at Sendenyu village, a community initiative for nature conservation since 2001, with a demarcated area of 18 sq. km.
District number:
13th district
Created on:
December 18, 2021
Area:
256 square kilometres
Population (2011):
63,269
Why it matters for exams: Nagaland's newest districts and the tribe-district mapping (Rengma Nagas and Tseminyu) are direct factual questions in Northeast geography.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Phek lies on the south-eastern part of Nagaland, bounded by Myanmar in the east, Zunheboto and Kiphire in the north, Manipur in the south and Kohima in the west. It has an area of 2,026 square kilometer and a population of 163,418, of which male and female were 83,743 and 79,675 respectively in the 2011 census. The district headquarter town of Phek lies at the lowest altitude of the district at 1,524m above sea level, with the village of Pfutsero Town at the highest point of 2,136m above sea level. Three important rivers run through it, namely Tizu, Lanye, and Sedzu, and there are three important lakes called Shilloi, Chida and Dzudu. The district is regarded as among the richest areas of mineral deposits, including limestone, decorative marble stone, coal, brine and salt. Weziho Cement Factory under Meluri Sub-Division is the only cement factory in the State and can produce 150 TPD.
Area:
2,026 square kilometer
Population (2011):
163,418
Highest point:
Pfutsero Town, 2,136m
Rivers:
Tizu, Lanye, and Sedzu
Why it matters for exams: Phek's Myanmar border, the Tizu-Lanye-Sedzu rivers, the Shilloi-Chida-Dzudu lakes and Pfutsero's altitude are recurring Nagaland geography questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Wokha District is described by its administration as the Home of Lothas, with a total geographical area of 1628 Sq. Km, accounting 9.82% of the total geographical area of the State. Wokha literally means Census in Lotha. It was a place where Lothas counted heads before spreading out into the villages during their waves of migration. The district lies in the mid western part of Nagaland, adjacent to the Sibsagar plain of Assam. It is bounded by Mokokchung District in the North, Kohima District in the South, Zunheboto District in the East and the State of Assam in the West. The district is divided into three ranges: Wokha Range or Upper Range, Sanis Range or Middle Range, and Bhandari Range or Lower Range. Two of the most fertile valleys, Baghty and Churung, lie in the Bhandari Range.
Geographical area:
1628 Sq. Km
Share of State area:
9.82%
Ranges:
Wokha, Sanis, Bhandari
Why it matters for exams: The Lotha homeland, the 1628 Sq. Km area at 9.82% of the State, and the three ranges are standard district-profile facts for Nagaland questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Dimapur district was inaugurated as the eighth district of Nagaland in December, 1997, through a Government of Nagaland Home Department notification no. GAB-5/29/78(pt) dated 02-12-1997. Earlier it was a sub-division under Kohima district. The only railhead and airport of the State is located in Dimapur, the district headquarter, and the main commercial activities of the State are centred around it. National Highway 29 connects Dimapur to the State capital Kohima and to Manipur, Tripura and Mizoram. A large area of the district is plains with an average elevation of 260 m above sea level, and the average annual rainfall is 1504.7 mm. By Census 2011 the district stands 1st in population (378811), 10th in area (927 sq. km.), 11th in density (409 persons per sq. km) and 5th in literacy rate (84.8 %) in the State.
Formation notification:
GAB-5/29/78(pt) dated 02-12-1997
Area rank:
10th place (927 sq. km.)
Population rank:
1st Place (378811)
Literacy rate:
84.8 %
Why it matters for exams: Dimapur as Nagaland's only railhead and airport, and its 1997 formation as the eighth district, are frequently asked Northeast connectivity and administration facts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
Kohima is a hilly district of Nagaland bordering Assam and Dimapur district in the west, Phek district in the east, Manipur and Peren district in the south and Wokha district in the north. It became the first seat of modern administration as the headquarters of the Naga Hills District, then under Assam, with the appointment of G.H. Damant as Political Officer in 1879. When Nagaland became a full fledged state on 1st December, 1963, Kohima was made the capital of the state. Parts of Kohima district have since been carved out three times: Phek District was created in 1973, Dimapur in 1998 and Peren District in 2004. The name Kohima comes from KEWHIRA, the name of the village where Kohima town stands, which the British could not pronounce. Kohima village, also called Bara Basti, is described as the second largest village in Asia.
Capital since:
1st December, 1963
Political Officer appointed:
G.H. Damant, 1879
Districts carved out of Kohima:
Phek 1973, Dimapur 1998, Peren 2004
Why it matters for exams: Kohima's 1963 capital status, the 1879 Naga Hills headquarters and the 1973-1998-2004 district splits are standard Northeast geography and polity questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Alappuzha district administration gives its demography as per the provisional population figures of the 2011 Census.
The district's area is 1415 Sq Km.
Its total population is 2,127,789 - 1,013,142 males and 1,114,647 females.
The number of households is 534,994.
Density of population is 1504 persons per sq km and the sex ratio is 1,100 females per 1000 males.
Alappuzha has 2 revenue divisions, 6 taluks, 93 revenue villages, 12 block panchayats, 72 gram panchayats and 6 municipalities.
The district also has 33 census towns and 52 census villages.
Area:
1415 Sq Km
Total population:
2,127,789
Density of population:
1504
Sex ratio:
1,100
Households:
534,994
Why it matters for exams: Alappuzha's density and sex ratio are among the figures Kerala PSC uses to compare districts.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The headquarters of Ernakulam district is Kakkanad and its geographical area is 2407 Sq.kms.
The district has a coastal line of 46 Kms, a water bodied area of 12,700 Hectares and forest land of 8,123 Hectares.
Its population is 32,82,388 - 16,19,557 male and 16,62,831 female.
The sex ratio is 1024 and per capita income is Rs.94392.
Ernakulam has 2 subdivisions, 7 taluks, 124 villages, 14 blocks and 84 panchayats.
It also has 1 corporation, 13 municipalities and 14 assembly segments.
Headquarters:
Kakkanad
Total population:
32,82,388
Geographical area:
2407 Sq.kms
Sex ratio:
1024
Per capita income:
Rs.94392
Why it matters for exams: Ernakulam's headquarters, population, sex ratio and administrative units are frequently asked in Kerala PSC district-based questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Kozhikode district administration's demography page gives the district's area as 2345 sq km.
The population of the district is listed as 30,86,293.
The literacy rate is given as 95.08%.
Kozhikode has 1 revenue division, 1 corporation and 7 municipalities.
The district is divided into 4 taluks, 12 blocks, 70 panchayats and 118 villages.
Area:
2345 sq km
Population:
30,86,293
Literacy rate:
95.08%
Panchayats:
70
Why it matters for exams: District area, population, literacy and administrative units are standard Kerala PSC recall questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
As per the provisions of the RBI Act, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) consists of six members: three Members from RBI and three are appointed by the Central Government.
The Central Government constitutes the Committee in exercise of the powers conferred by section 45ZB of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
The Governor of the Reserve Bank of India is Chairperson, ex officio.
The Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India in charge of Monetary Policy is a Member, ex officio.
One officer of the Reserve Bank of India, to be nominated by the Central Board, is a Member, ex officio.
The Members appointed by the Central Government hold office for a period of four years, or until further orders, whichever is earlier.
In the reconstitution notified by the Government, the three appointed Members were Prof. Ram Singh of the Delhi School of Economics, Shri Saugata Bhattacharya, Economist, and Dr. Nagesh Kumar of the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development, New Delhi.
Total members:
six members
From RBI:
three Members from RBI
Enabling provision:
section 45ZB of the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934
Term of appointed Members:
a period of four years
Why it matters for exams: The MPC's six-member structure, the enabling section of the RBI Act and the four-year term of external members are core Kerala PSC, UPSC and bank exam facts.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank
Background
The Central Information Commission was constituted with effect from 12-10-2005 under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The jurisdiction of the Commission extends over all Central Public Authorities.
Its powers and functions are mentioned in sections 18, 19, 20 and 25 of the RTI Act, 2005.
These broadly relate to adjudication in second appeal for giving information, and direction for record keeping and suo motu disclosures.
They also cover receiving and enquiring into a complaint on inability to file an RTI application, and the levy of penalties.
Monitoring and reporting, including preparation of an Annual Report, is another function.
The decisions of the Commission are final and binding.
Constituted with effect from:
12-10-2005
Statute:
Right to Information Act, 2005
Jurisdiction:
all Central Public Authorities
Powers under sections:
sections 18, 19, 20 and 25
Why it matters for exams: The CIC's date of constitution, its jurisdiction and the finality of its decisions are asked directly in Kerala PSC and UPSC governance papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The National Green Tribunal was established on 18.10.2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act 2010.
It exists for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources, including enforcement of legal rights relating to the environment and relief and compensation for damages to persons and property.
The Tribunal is mandated to endeavour to dispose of applications or appeals finally within 6 months of filing.
It is not bound by the procedure laid down under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, nor by the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and is guided by principles of natural justice; it is, however, vested with the powers of a civil court for discharging its functions.
Section 19 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 gives the Tribunal power to regulate its own procedure.
The NGT was set up at five places of sittings and follows a circuit procedure; New Delhi is the Principal Place of Sitting and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai are the other four.
The Tribunal identifies necessary parties under statutes mentioned in Schedule I of the NGT Act, 2010 and requires them to respond by email.
It entertains letter petitions, and a complaint can be filed even without an advocate.
Established on:
18.10.2010
Statute:
National Green Tribunal Act 2010
Disposal mandate:
within 6 months of filing
Principal Place of Sitting:
New Delhi
Other places of sitting:
Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata and Chennai
Why it matters for exams: The NGT's founding statute, its five places of sitting and the six-month disposal norm are standard Kerala PSC and UPSC environment-and-polity questions.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
NITI Aayog was constituted through a resolution of the Union Cabinet dated 1st January 2015.
It serves as the Government of India's apex policy think tank, mandated to provide directional and policy inputs.
Besides formulating long-term strategies, policies and programmes for the Government of India, it offers strategic and technical advice to the Centre, State Governments and Union Territories.
It functions as an institutional platform to foster cooperative federalism by facilitating collaborative engagement among the States in pursuit of national development objectives.
Its first stated objective is to evolve a shared vision of national development priorities, sectors and strategies with the active involvement of States.
It is to foster cooperative federalism through structured support initiatives and mechanisms with the States on a continuous basis, recognizing that strong States make a strong nation.
It is also to ensure, on areas specifically referred to it, that the interests of national security are incorporated in economic strategy and policy.
Another objective is to pay special attention to the sections of society that may be at risk of not benefiting adequately from economic progress.
Constituted by:
a resolution of the Union Cabinet dated 1st January 2015
Character:
apex policy think tank of the Government of India
Guiding phrase:
strong States make a strong nation
Why it matters for exams: NITI Aayog's founding instrument, its think-tank character and its cooperative-federalism mandate are directly asked in Kerala PSC and UPSC polity papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
As per clause (1) of article 280 of the Constitution, the Finance Commission is to be constituted every fifth year or earlier.
It recommends the distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or may be, divided between them, and the allocation between the States of their respective shares.
It recommends the principles which should govern the grants-in-aid of the revenues of the States out of the Consolidated Fund of India under article 275.
Its third term of reference is the measures needed to augment the Consolidated Fund of a State to supplement the resources of the Panchayats and Municipalities in the State.
The Sixteenth Finance Commission is chaired by Dr. Arvind Panagariya.
Smt. Annie George Mathew and Dr. Manoj Panda are full-time Members; Dr. Soumya Kanti Ghosh, Group Chief Economic Adviser of SBI, is a Member; Mr T Rabi Sankar, Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India, is a part-time Member.
The Advance Cell of the 16th FC was formed in the Ministry of Finance on 21.11.2022 to oversee preliminary work.
A Finance Commission normally takes about two years to make its recommendations.
Constitutional provision:
article 280
Interval of constitution:
every fifth year or earlier
Chairman, 16th Finance Commission:
Dr. Arvind Panagariya
Advance Cell formed:
21.11.2022
Why it matters for exams: The Finance Commission's constitutional basis and terms of reference are a standing favourite in Kerala PSC and UPSC polity and economy papers.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Ministry of Culture has informed Parliament that there are 44 World Heritage Properties in the country.
The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) undertakes conservation and maintenance of 3,686 monuments, including 27 World Heritage properties, along with the provision of amenities for tourists such as drinking water, toilet blocks, pathways and landscaping for protected monuments and sites under the ASI's jurisdiction.
The Government has sent two proposals to the World Heritage Centre for consideration for inclusion in the World Heritage List: Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath (2025-26) and JingkiengJri / Lyu Charai Cultural Landscape (2026-27).
Conservation and maintenance of these monuments and sites is a continuous process, carried out based on the needs of the monuments and the availability of resources.
World Heritage Properties in India:
44 World Heritage Properties
Monuments maintained by ASI:
3,686 monuments
World Heritage properties under ASI:
27 World Heritage properties
Pending proposals:
Ancient Buddhist Site, Sarnath (2025-26); JingkiengJri / Lyu Charai Cultural Landscape (2026-27)
Why it matters for exams: The current count of India's World Heritage Properties and the ASI's monument numbers are directly asked in culture and governance sections.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
UN Peacekeeping began in 1948 with the establishment of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organization (UNTSO) in the Middle East to monitor ceasefires.
Since the 1950s, India has sent over 290,000 peacekeepers to more than 50 missions worldwide, making it the largest contributor to UN peacekeeping efforts.
Over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers are currently deployed in 9 active missions, and nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have made the ultimate sacrifice.
UN peacekeepers are known as Blue Helmets. In 1947, the UN decided on this colour because blue symbolizes peace, while red is often linked to war.
In 2023, India received the UN's highest peacekeeping honour, the Dag Hammarskjold Medal, posthumously awarded to Indian peacekeepers Shishupal Singh and Sanwala Ram Vishnoi and civilian UN worker Shaber Taher Ali for their sacrifice in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mission failures in Rwanda and Bosnia prompted reforms, leading to the Brahimi Report (2000), which emphasized robust mandates and better resources.
The Centre of United Nations Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi conducts India's peacekeeping training and capacity-building programmes.
Peacekeepers sent by India:
over 290,000 peacekeepers
Missions served in:
more than 50 missions worldwide
Currently deployed:
over 5,000 Indian peacekeepers in 9 active missions
Indian peacekeepers lost:
nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers
First peacekeeping mission:
UNTSO, 1948
Why it matters for exams: India's peacekeeping numbers, the first mission UNTSO and the Blue Helmets nickname are recurring objective questions.
Kerala PSCUPSCSSC
Background
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) was launched by the Prime Minister of India during the United Nations Climate Action Summit on the 23rd September, 2019, at New York.
On 28th August, 2019, the Cabinet had approved the setting up of CDRI with its Secretariat in New Delhi along with a support of Rs. 480 crore to CDRI.
The Union Cabinet later approved the categorization of CDRI as an 'International Organization' and the signing of the Headquarters Agreement with CDRI, granting it the exemptions, immunities and privileges contemplated under the United Nations (Privileges & Immunities) Act, 1947.
At the time of that approval, thirty-one (31) Countries, six (06) International Organizations and two (02) private sector organizations had joined as members of CDRI.
CDRI is a global partnership of National Governments, UN agencies and programmes, multilateral development banks and financing mechanisms, the private sector, academic and knowledge institutions that aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks.
Launched at:
United Nations Climate Action Summit, New York
Launch date:
23rd September, 2019
Cabinet approval for setting up:
28th August, 2019
Government support:
Rs. 480 crore
Membership at categorisation:
thirty-one (31) Countries, six (06) International Organizations and two (02) private sector organizations
Why it matters for exams: CDRI is one of two major global initiatives launched by India, and its launch venue, Secretariat city and corpus are frequently asked.
Kerala PSCUPSC
Background
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is an inter-governmental body which sets standards, and develops and promotes policies to combat money laundering and terrorist financing.
Its Forty Recommendations and Nine Special Recommendations provide a complete set of counter-measures against money laundering, covering the criminal justice system and law enforcement, the financial system and its regulation, and international co-operation.
India became a member of the FATF in 2010.
The Financial Intelligence Unit-India (FIU-IND) is a member of the Egmont Group, an international organization for stimulating co-operation among Financial Intelligence Units. India became member of the Egmont Group in May, 2007.
The Department of Revenue records that FIU-IND has signed bilateral Memorandum of Understanding with fifteen countries, including Mauritius, Philippines, Brazil, Malaysia, Russia, Australia, Canada, USA and Japan.
India's FATF membership:
India became a member of the FATF in 2010
Egmont Group membership:
May, 2007
FATF standards:
Forty Recommendations and Nine Special Recommendations
FIU-IND bilateral MoUs:
fifteen countries
Why it matters for exams: FATF and Egmont Group membership years are standard one-mark questions in economy and internal security sections.
Kerala PSCUPSCBank