Kerala PSC Current Affairs — 09 May 2026

Today’s digest covers significant developments across Kerala, national, and international fronts, from political leadership tussles and economic growth to critical social issues and geopolitical shifts. Aspirants will find updates on governance, technology, and international relations crucial for their upcoming examinations.

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Kerala News

1. Kerala CM Selection Turns Political Cliff-hanger

• The final decision on the next Kerala Chief Minister is now with the Congress High Command, following a political cliff-hanger.
• Three probables, namely V.D. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala, are in contention for the top post.
• A pivotal announcement from the High Command is reportedly scheduled for May 10.
• Competing rallies and poster campaigns by Congress workers across Kerala have highlighted the three-way leadership tussle.
• V.D. Satheesan has urged party cadres to refrain from group demonstrations and public declarations of loyalty amidst the discord.

PSC relevance: Indian Polity, State Politics, Governance, Political Parties

2. CIAL Registers 10% Growth in Cargo Movement

• Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) has registered a 10% growth in cargo movement despite the ongoing West Asia crisis.
• Industry estimates indicate that nearly 60% of Kerala’s air cargo traffic is routed through CIAL.

PSC relevance: Kerala Economy, Infrastructure, Aviation, Trade

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National News

3. Mirwaiz Expresses Concern Over UAPA School Closure in Kashmir

• Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed concern over the closure of the Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom school-cum-seminary in Kashmir under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
• He stated that the banning of the school under the stringent UAPA is a serious matter, stoking apprehension among people about targeting their religious identity.

PSC relevance: Indian Polity, Fundamental Rights, Law & Order, Jammu & Kashmir

4. Panel Lawyers Appointed for Bonded Labour Cases in Thanjavur

• Seven lawyers have been appointed in Thanjavur to handle cases related to bonded labour.
• Their appointment is partly due to the volume of cases and partly because they underwent specialized training imparted by the International Justice Mission.

PSC relevance: Social Justice, Human Rights, Law, Governance

5. IIT Madras Global Research Foundation Announces Deep Tech Hub in California

• The IIT Madras Global Research Foundation announced the establishment of a deep tech hub in California.
• This announcement was made at the SelectUSA Investment Summit on Wednesday.

PSC relevance: Science & Technology, Education, Economy, International Relations (US)

6. Jabalpur Cruise Boat Tragedy Raises Safety Protocol Questions

• Thirteen people died when a cruise vessel capsized during a violent storm in the Bargi Dam reservoir on the Narmada River in Jabalpur on April 30.
• The vessel was carrying 41 passengers and crew members and was operated by the tourism department.
• The tragedy has raised significant questions over safety protocols and preparedness for such incidents.

PSC relevance: Disaster Management, Tourism, Governance, Public Safety

7. U.P. Minister Orders Discontinuation of Prepaid Smart Meters

• A U.P. Minister has ordered the discontinuation of prepaid smart meters with immediate effect.
• All Smart Meters installed under the RDSS Scheme are to shift to Postpaid Mode immediately.

PSC relevance: Governance, Public Utilities, Energy Sector, State Administration

8. Congress Cites NCRB Data on Women’s Safety and Suicides

• Mallikarjun Kharge of the Congress party criticized the Modi Government over women’s safety, citing NCRB data.
• The NCRB data pointed to a 1,689% surge in cybercrime.
• The data also indicated that 10,546 farmers, 52,931 daily wage labourers, and 14,488 students died by suicide in 2024.

PSC relevance: Social Issues, Governance, Statistics, Crime & Justice, Economy (farmers/labourers)

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International News

9. U.S. Imposes Sanctions on Iran’s Weapons Sector

• The U.S. has imposed sanctions on 10 individuals and companies for aiding Iran’s weapons sector.
• The Treasury Department stated its readiness to take economic action against Iran’s military industrial base to prevent Tehran from reconstituting its production capacity and projecting power.

PSC relevance: International Relations, Geopolitics, Economy, Sanctions

10. Trump Announces Russia, Ukraine Agree to Ceasefire Request

• Former President Donald Trump stated that the leaders of Russia and Ukraine have agreed to his request for a three-day ceasefire.
• The agreement also includes a proposed exchange of prisoners.

PSC relevance: International Relations, Geopolitics, Diplomacy, Conflict Resolution

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10 MCQs

Q1. Which of the following leaders urged Congress cadres to refrain from group demonstrations amidst the leadership tussle in Kerala?

Options: A. K.C. Venugopal B. Ramesh Chennithala C. V.D. Satheesan D. Mallikarjun Kharge

Answer: C

Explanation: V.D. Satheesan urges cadres to refrain from group demonstrations and public declarations of loyalty.

Q2. What percentage of Kerala’s air cargo traffic is estimated to be routed through CIAL?

Options: A. 10% B. 30% C. 60% D. 90%

Answer: C

Explanation: Industry estimates indicate that nearly 60% of the State’s air cargo traffic is routed through CIAL.

Q3. The Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom school-cum-seminary in Kashmir was banned under which stringent act?

Options: A. Prevention of Money Laundering Act B. Unlawful Activities Prevention Act C. National Security Act D. Public Safety Act

Answer: B

Explanation: The banning of the Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom school under the stringent Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) is a serious matter.

Q4. How many lawyers were appointed in Thanjavur to handle bonded labour cases, partly due to specialized training from the International Justice Mission?

Options: A. Five B. Seven C. Ten D. Twelve

Answer: B

Explanation: Seven lawyers in Thanjavur were appointed partly due to the volume of cases and partly because they had undergone specialised training imparted by the International Justice Mission.

Q5. The IIT Madras Global Research Foundation announced its deep tech hub in California at which event?

Options: A. World Economic Forum B. SelectUSA Investment Summit C. G20 Summit D. India-US Tech Conclave

Answer: B

Explanation: The announcement was made at the SelectUSA Investment Summit on Wednesday.

Q6. On which river did the cruise vessel capsize in Jabalpur, leading to 13 deaths?

Options: A. Ganga B. Yamuna C. Narmada D. Godavari

Answer: C

Explanation: Of the 41 passengers and crew members onboard a cruise vessel on the Narmada River, 13 died when it capsized during a violent storm in the Bargi Dam reservoir on April 30.

Q7. What change has a U.P. Minister ordered regarding smart meters installed under the RDSS Scheme?

Options: A. To be discontinued permanently B. To shift to Postpaid Mode C. To be upgraded to 5G D. To be replaced with traditional meters

Answer: B

Explanation: All Smart Meters installed under RDSS Scheme to shift to Postpaid Mode with immediate effect.

Q8. According to NCRB data cited by Mallikarjun Kharge, what was the percentage surge in cybercrime?

Options: A. 168.9% B. 1,689% C. 16.89% D. 16890%

Answer: B

Explanation: Mallikarjun Kharge said NCRB data pointed that cybercrime had surged by 1,689%.

Q9. The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on individuals and companies for aiding which country’s weapons sector?

Options: A. Russia B. North Korea C. Iran D. Syria

Answer: C

Explanation: U.S. imposes sanctions on 10 individuals, companies for aiding Iran’s weapons sector.

Q10. Which former President stated that Russia and Ukraine agreed to his request for a three-day ceasefire and prisoner swap?

Options: A. Barack Obama B. George W. Bush C. Donald Trump D. Bill Clinton

Answer: C

Explanation: President Donald Trump says the leaders of Russia and Ukraine have agreed to his request for a three-day ceasefire and an exchange of prisoners.

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Quick Recap

#	Topic	One-line
1	Kerala CM Selection	Congress High Command to decide Kerala CM from Satheesan, Venugopal, Chennithala amid factionalism.
2	CIAL Cargo Growth	Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) recorded 10% cargo growth, handling 60% of state’s air cargo.
3	UAPA School Closure	Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressed concern over the closure of Jamia Siraj Ul Uloom school under UAPA in Kashmir.
4	Bonded Labour Lawyers	Seven lawyers in Thanjavur appointed for bonded labour cases after specialized training.
5	IIT Madras Deep Tech	IIT Madras Global Research Foundation announced a new deep tech hub in California.
6	Jabalpur Tragedy	13 died in a cruise boat capsizing on Narmada River in Jabalpur, raising safety questions.
7	UP Smart Meters	U.P. Minister ordered all prepaid smart meters under RDSS Scheme to shift to postpaid mode.
8	NCRB Data	Congress cited NCRB data showing 1,689% cybercrime surge and high suicide rates for farmers, labourers, students.
9	US Sanctions Iran	U.S. imposed sanctions on 10 entities for supporting Iran’s weapons sector.
10	Trump Ceasefire	Donald Trump announced Russia and Ukraine agreed to his request for a three-day ceasefire and prisoner swap.

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Sources: The Hindu, Indian Express, PIB. Compiled via RSS feeds and verified at time of publication.