Kerala PSC Current Affairs October 2026: The Month in One Read
A complete monthly current affairs guide covering Kerala, India and international developments, with important facts, exam-focused explanations and 20 practice questions.
Published by: EduPath Faculty Team
Month: October 2026
Reading time: Approximately 20 minutes
Month: October 2026
Reading time: Approximately 20 minutes
October 2026 has been an important month for Kerala, national and international developments. From the appointment of a new Governor of Keralam and major legislative developments to changes in monetary policy, international awards and sporting achievements, several events deserve attention from Kerala PSC aspirants.
For candidates preparing for the Kerala PSC Degree Level Preliminary Examination, Secretariat Assistant, LDC, LGS, Civil Police Officer, Excise Inspector, Sub Inspector and other government recruitment examinations, understanding current affairs is an essential part of preparation.
This monthly guide brings together the major developments of October 2026 in an organised, exam-focused format. It also includes important constitutional facts, quick-revision tables, 20 practice questions and links to official Kerala PSC previous-year question papers.
The information is organised according to its relevance to competitive examinations. Developing stories and details that require further confirmation are identified separately.
Note on terminology: The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Act, 2026 reportedly came into force on 25 August 2026. Accordingly, this article uses the name Keralam when referring to the state, while retaining Kerala PSC as the commonly used name of the recruitment commission.
1. October 2026 Current Affairs: Important Events at a Glance
The following table provides a quick overview of the major events reported during October 2026.
2. Kerala PSC Controversy: Investigation into Examination Irregularities
One of the most significant Kerala-related developments during October 2026 concerns allegations of irregularities in a Kerala Public Service Commission examination.
The issue relates to the examination conducted for the post of Chief in the State Planning Board. A candidate approached the Kerala Administrative Tribunal, alleging that ten questions in the answer script had not been evaluated.
Following a preliminary inquiry by the Commission in June, the Crime Branch initiated an investigation.
According to reports, the Special Investigation Team (SIT), led by IG S. Ajeetha Begum, identified ten unevaluated questions carrying a total of 58 marks. Investigators reportedly stated that the alleged evaluation irregularities could have affected the preparation of the rank list.
Two officials were named in a report submitted before the Vigilance Court in Thiruvananthapuram:
- P. Satheesh: Former Deputy Secretary who headed the examination wing.
- R. Hari: Additional Secretary in the examination section.
Major developments during October
- On 5 October, the Kerala High Court questioned the Commission regarding its cooperation with the Crime Branch investigation.
- The SIT reportedly informed the court that it had received 180 complaints concerning the Commission.
- On 15 October, outgoing Governor Rajendra Arlekar reportedly wrote to the President recommending the removal of PSC Chairman Dr M. R. Baiju and the Commission's other members.
- The recommendation became public later in October.
- The Commission suspended R. Hari and reportedly froze the retirement benefits of P. Satheesh.
- On 28 October, reports stated that the Crime Branch arrested P. Satheesh in Kozhikode and questioned the PSC Chairman.
The controversy also generated political debate. Various political leaders expressed different positions regarding the Governor's recommendation and the investigation.
Important constitutional facts for Kerala PSC
The Public Service Commission is an important constitutional body established under Part XIV of the Indian Constitution, covering Articles 315 to 323.
Important points to remember:
- The Governor appoints the Chairman and members of a State Public Service Commission.
- The President has the constitutional authority to remove a State PSC member.
- A member's term is six years or until the age of 62, whichever comes first.
- Removal on the ground of misbehaviour requires an inquiry by the Supreme Court following a reference by the President.
- The Governor may suspend a State PSC member while such a reference is pending.
Exam takeaway: Remember the distinction between appointment by the Governor and removal by the President.
Further reading:
Important clarification: The allegations and investigative findings mentioned above should not be treated as final court judgments. No conviction is established by the reports cited in the supplied material. Candidates should follow official Kerala PSC notifications for examination schedules, results and rank-list updates.
3. Om Prakash Mathur Becomes the 29th Governor of Keralam
Om Prakash Mathur assumed office as the 29th Governor of Keralam on 23 October 2026.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Lok Bhavan in Thiruvananthapuram. Kerala High Court Chief Justice Soumen Sen administered the oath of office.
Mathur previously served as the Governor of Sikkim from July 2024. He has also held several political positions, including:
- Member of the Rajya Sabha representing Rajasthan.
- BJP National General Secretary in charge of Gujarat.
- Former BJP office-bearer.
- RSS pracharak.
He succeeded Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, who was appointed Governor of Tamil Nadu following the October 2026 gubernatorial reshuffle.
The appointment is confirmed by the official Kerala Information and Public Relations Department.
Important office-holders
The following list reflects the office-holders mentioned in the supplied October 2026 source and should be checked against official records before publication.
Renaming of Kerala to Keralam
Another important development is the official change of the state's name from Kerala to Keralam.
The state Assembly passed a resolution requesting the name change in June 2024. Parliament subsequently passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill in August 2026.
The Union Home Ministry reportedly brought the Act into force on 25 August 2026.
Exam angle: Article 3
Article 3 of the Indian Constitution gives Parliament the power to form new states and alter the areas, boundaries or names of existing states, subject to the constitutional procedure.
Further reading:
4. Important Developments in the Keralam Legislative Assembly
The second session of the 16th Keralam Legislative Assembly began on 12 October 2026.
Several important legislative and administrative matters were discussed during the session. Five major developments are particularly relevant to Kerala PSC preparation.
4.1 Senior Citizens (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026
The Keralam Senior Citizens (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill, 2026, was introduced on 13 October and reportedly passed unanimously on 26 October.
The proposed legislation aims to strengthen the protection and welfare of senior citizens.
Important provisions mentioned in reports include:
- Establishment of senior citizens' desks in local self-government institutions.
- Registration of elderly care centres.
- Police clearance and certified training for caregivers.
- Special units in cyber police stations to address financial fraud against elderly people.
- Free legal aid.
- Establishment of a State Senior Citizen Protection Unit and district-level units.
- Protection against abuse, abandonment and illegal occupation of senior citizens' property.
The Bill reportedly proposes imprisonment of up to three years for specified offences.
A senior citizen is defined as a person aged 60 years or above.
The proposed legislation is also referred to as the Vayojana Bill.
Important exam facts:
Important: The Bill's passage does not automatically make it an Act. The Governor's assent and subsequent notification must be checked.
Further reading:
4.2 Resolution Seeking Removal of the Chief Election Commissioner
On 12 October 2026, the Keralam Legislative Assembly reportedly passed a resolution seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The resolution was connected with concerns about the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
It also raised demands concerning the restoration of voting rights to eligible voters excluded from electoral rolls and changes to the committee responsible for selecting Election Commissioners.
The resolution proposed a selection committee consisting of:
- Prime Minister of India.
- Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
- Chief Justice of India.
The resolution was supported by the LDF, while the BJP's three Assembly members opposed it.
Constitutional importance:
Article 324 deals with the Election Commission of India.
Under Article 324(5), the Chief Election Commissioner can be removed only in the same manner and on the same grounds as a Supreme Court judge.
A state Assembly resolution cannot itself remove the Chief Election Commissioner.
4.3 Kerala Maritime Board (Amendment) Bill, 2026
The Kerala Maritime Board (Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced on 14 October.
The Bill proposes changes to the Kerala Maritime Board Act, 2017, as part of the government's proposed Mission Samudra.
Important proposed changes include:
- Making the Chief Minister the Chairperson of the Maritime Board.
- Establishing a State Maritime Land Bank.
- Creating a Port Area Development Authority for each port.
- Allowing public-private partnership concessions for up to 45 years.
The proposed changes are intended to improve port infrastructure, maritime administration and investment opportunities.
The previous Maritime Board was reportedly dissolved on 6 July 2026 following administrative and financial concerns.
Exam takeaway: Remember the Kerala Maritime Board Act, 2017, and the proposed Mission Samudra.
The Bill's final legislative status must be checked before treating its proposed provisions as existing law.
Further reading:
4.4 KIIFB Expert Committee Report
On 15 October, the Keralam government reportedly tabled an expert committee report concerning the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB).
The committee was headed by retired IAS officer Sudha Pillai.
KIIFB was established in 1999 under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Act.
The committee reportedly recommended ending KIIFB's independent borrowing and project-financing role and shifting future project funding through the annual state Budget over five years beginning in 2026–27.
The report also raised concerns about KIIFB's outstanding liabilities and certain land acquisition proposals.
According to the supplied report, the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) recorded KIIFB's outstanding liabilities at ₹20,041.52 crore as of 31 March 2024.
The government stated that it would examine the committee's recommendations before making further decisions.
Important facts for revision:
Further reading:
4.5 Vigilance Sections Exempted from the RTI Act
A Gazette order dated 22 October reportedly exempted the T1 and T2 sections of the Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau (VACB) from certain provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
The exemption was reportedly issued under Section 24(4) of the RTI Act.
The two sections handle confidential reports, intelligence inputs, source information and related activities.
The order generated political and public debate. On 28 October, the Kerala High Court reportedly issued notice to the state government on petitions challenging the exemption.
The Court did not grant an interim stay at that stage, according to the supplied report.
Exam facts:
- RTI stands for Right to Information.
- The Right to Information Act was enacted in 2005.
- Section 24 deals with the exclusion of certain intelligence and security organisations.
- Section 24(4) provides the relevant exemption power for state-government organisations.
Further reading:
5. Economy and International Developments: RBI Repo Rate and G7 Oil Release
RBI increases the repo rate to 5.50%
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced an increase in the policy repo rate during its October 2026 Monetary Policy Committee meeting.
The meeting took place from 5 to 7 October under the chairmanship of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
The Monetary Policy Committee unanimously decided to increase the repo rate by 25 basis points, taking it from 5.25% to 5.50%.
The RBI also changed its monetary policy stance from neutral to calibrated tightening.
The decision was linked to inflationary pressures and developments in the global economy.
Updated RBI rates
The RBI's reported October decision increased the repo rate for the first time since February 2023.
What is the repo rate?
The repo rate is the interest rate at which the Reserve Bank of India lends money to commercial banks against eligible securities.
Changes in the repo rate influence borrowing costs, lending rates and economic activity.
Important RBI facts for Kerala PSC:
- RBI was established on 1 April 1935.
- The Reserve Bank of India Act was enacted in 1934.
- The Monetary Policy Committee consists of six members.
- The RBI Governor chairs the Monetary Policy Committee.
- The MPC is constituted under Section 45ZB of the RBI Act, 1934.
- The repo rate is an important monetary policy instrument.
Further reading:
G7 agrees to release emergency oil reserves
On 2 October 2026, the G7 reportedly agreed to release up to 100 million barrels of emergency crude oil and diesel reserves over four months.
The decision was taken during a virtual meeting and coordinated through the International Energy Agency (IEA).
The announcement came amid concerns about global oil supply disruptions and rising crude oil prices.
Important points:
- G7 refers to the Group of Seven.
- The International Energy Agency coordinates international energy cooperation.
- Emergency oil reserves are intended to help manage major supply disruptions.
- The Strait of Hormuz is an important international route for oil transportation.
Exam takeaway: Remember the connection between G7, IEA and emergency oil reserves.
6. Sports Current Affairs: Asian Games 2026
The 20th Asian Games were held in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, from 19 September to 4 October 2026.
The competition brought together athletes from across Asia in multiple sporting disciplines.
According to the supplied results, China topped the medal table, while India finished fourth with 85 medals.
India's medal tally
China finished at the top of the medal table with 169 gold medals and 341 medals overall.
India's performance included notable achievements in hockey, archery, athletics and golf.
Major Indian achievements
- The Indian men's hockey team defeated Malaysia 5–1 to retain the Asian Games title.
- The Indian women's hockey team defeated China 1–0 to win gold.
- Indian archers secured nine medals, including five gold medals.
- Kumkum Anil Mohod reportedly became the first Indian woman to win individual recurve gold.
- Pranavi Urs won individual golf gold.
- India's women's 4x400-metre relay team secured an athletics gold medal.
Kerala's achievement: Murali Sreeshankar
Kerala athlete Murali Sreeshankar of Palakkad won silver in the men's long jump event.
He recorded a distance of 8.07 metres.
China's Shi Yuhao won gold with 8.17 metres, while Uzbekistan's Anvar Anvarov secured bronze with 8.06 metres.
Sreeshankar also won silver at the previous Asian Games in Hangzhou.
Important facts for revision:
Further reading:
7. Awards and Honours: Vayalar Award and Nobel Prizes 2026
50th Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literary Award
The 50th Vayalar Ramavarma Memorial Literary Award was reportedly announced on 4 October 2026.
The award went to R. Rajasree for her novel Athreyakam.
The award includes:
- A cash prize of ₹1 lakh.
- A bronze sculpture created by Kanayi Kunhiraman.
- A citation.
The award was presented on 27 October at Nishagandhi Auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram.
The event marked the conclusion of the Vayalar Year 2025–26.
Important Vayalar Award facts
The 49th Vayalar Award was reportedly presented to E. Santhosh Kumar for Thapomayiyude Achan.
Nobel Prize Winners 2026
The 2026 Nobel Prize announcements reportedly took place between 5 and 12 October.
The following table reproduces the winners and descriptions listed in the supplied source. These names and award citations require confirmation against the official Nobel Prize website before publication.
Important Nobel Prize facts:
- The Nobel Prizes were established through the will of Alfred Nobel.
- The Nobel Prize categories originally included Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature and Peace.
- The Sveriges Riksbank Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel was established later, in 1968.
- The first Nobel Prizes were awarded in 1901.
Official verification: NobelPrize.org – 2026 Nobel Prizes
8. Science, Technology and Weather: ISRO NVS-03 and Cyclone Arnab
ISRO's NVS-03 navigation satellite
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reportedly scheduled the launch of NVS-03 for 30 October 2026 using a GSLV Mk II launch vehicle from Sriharikota.
NVS-03 is part of the second-generation NavIC satellite series.
The satellite is intended to strengthen India's regional navigation capabilities.
Important NavIC facts
- NavIC stands for Navigation with Indian Constellation.
- It was previously known as the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS).
- It is India's independent regional satellite navigation system.
- ISRO is responsible for developing and operating the system.
- The first second-generation satellite, NVS-01, was launched in May 2023.
The supplied article reports that NVS-02 experienced an orbit-related problem following its January 2025 launch.
Important update: The NVS-03 launch was still scheduled when the original article was prepared. Its actual launch outcome must be updated before publishing this October 30 edition.
Further reading:
Cyclone Arnab
Cyclone Arnab reportedly developed over the Bay of Bengal and strengthened into a very severe cyclonic storm.
It began crossing the Andhra Pradesh and Yanam coast on 28 October 2026.
The supplied reports mentioned sustained wind speeds of 125–135 km/h, with gusts reaching approximately 150 km/h.
Large-scale evacuation and relief arrangements were reportedly undertaken in affected areas.
The name Arnab is reported to mean ocean in Bengali.
Meanwhile, parts of Keralam experienced heavy rainfall around 25 October due to a separate weather system.
Exam takeaway: Candidates should distinguish between cyclones developing over the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, and understand the role of the India Meteorological Department in issuing weather warnings.
Further reading:
9. Important National and International Days in October 2026
Important days are frequently included in Kerala PSC examinations. Candidates should revise the following dates and their significance.
Kerala Piravi – 1 November 2026
Kerala Piravi is celebrated every year on 1 November to commemorate the formation of the state of Kerala in 1956.
In 2026, the occasion marks the 70th anniversary of the state's formation.
The formation of Kerala brought together regions including Travancore, Cochin and Malabar.
Important fact: Kerala was formed on 1 November 1956, following the reorganisation of states on linguistic lines.
Further reading:
10. Important Developments to Watch in November 2026
Some of October's major developments may continue into November. Kerala PSC candidates should monitor the following:
- Whether the Governor gives assent to the Senior Citizens (Care and Protection of Rights) Bill.
- The final status of the Kerala Maritime Board (Amendment) Bill.
- The government's decision regarding the KIIFB expert committee recommendations.
- Further developments in the Kerala PSC examination investigation.
- The President's response to the recommendation concerning PSC members.
- The Kerala High Court proceedings regarding the Vigilance RTI exemption.
- The final outcome of the ISRO NVS-03 launch.
- The RBI's next Monetary Policy Committee meeting scheduled for 2–4 December 2026.
Candidates should follow official announcements because developing news can change after the initial publication of this article.
11. Kerala PSC October 2026: 20 Important Practice Questions
Test your understanding of the month's current affairs using these 20 questions.
Revision tip: Try answering all 20 questions without looking at the answer column. Revisit the relevant sections for any questions you find difficult.
12. Kerala PSC Previous-Year Question Papers: Official Download Links
Reading current affairs is important, but practising previous-year question papers is equally valuable for competitive examination preparation.
The Kerala Public Service Commission provides previous-year question papers through its official website.
Candidates can use these papers to understand question patterns, identify frequently tested topics and improve their examination preparation.
Official Kerala PSC resources
1. Previous Question Papers
2. Official Kerala PSC Syllabus
3. Official Kerala PSC Website
Important examinations and paper resources
Third-party collections can also help candidates locate older question papers:
Important: Always compare third-party answer keys with the official Kerala PSC answer keys whenever available.
How to use previous-year question papers effectively
Follow these simple steps:
- Select the question paper related to your target examination.
- Practise questions from the previous three years.
- Identify questions related to appointments, awards, government schemes, constitutional provisions and sports.
- Maintain a separate notebook for important current affairs.
- Revise the difficult topics regularly.
- Practise mock examinations to improve time management.
13. How to Prepare for Kerala PSC Current Affairs Effectively
Current affairs preparation should be consistent rather than limited to the final days before an examination.
Here are some practical methods for improving your preparation.
1. Read monthly current affairs
Organise news according to Kerala, national and international developments.
2. Focus on important appointments
Remember Governors, constitutional authorities, government officials and important institutional heads.
3. Study awards and achievements
Give attention to literary awards, Nobel Prizes, sports achievements and national honours.
4. Understand constitutional provisions
Do not simply memorise Article numbers. Understand their purpose and application.
5. Practise previous-year questions
Use official Kerala PSC question papers to understand examination trends.
6. Revise through short notes
Prepare tables for dates, names, awards and important statistics.
7. Attempt practice questions
Regularly test your understanding through MCQs and mock examinations.
Conclusion
October 2026 brought several important developments relevant to Kerala PSC preparation. The appointment of a new Governor, the legislative developments concerning senior citizens, the PSC investigation, the RBI's monetary policy decision and international sporting and award announcements are among the topics candidates should revise.
However, current affairs preparation should go beyond memorising headlines. Understanding the constitutional background, the institutions involved and the significance of each development can help candidates answer questions more confidently.
Use this monthly guide alongside the official Kerala PSC syllabus, previous-year question papers and regular revision.
Keep learning, keep practising and stay updated with EduPath Solutions.
Disclaimer
This article has been prepared by the EduPath faculty team using news reports and other sources available during October 2026. It is intended for educational purposes only. Some developments may change after publication, and certain reported details require further official confirmation. EduPath Solutions is not affiliated with the Kerala Public Service Commission or any government authority. Candidates should verify examination notifications, eligibility, schedules, results and other official information through the relevant government websites.
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