Kerala PSC Current Affairs Brief — 15 August 2026

A blend of state‑level welfare updates and major national developments shape today’s current‑affairs landscape. Aspirants should note scheme revisions, infrastructure approvals, and key policy moves.

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Kerala News

1. Caregiver assistance increased under Aswasakiranam scheme

• Monthly assistance under the Aswasakiranam scheme has been raised to ₹1,000 as of August 2026.
• The scheme provides support to caregivers of chronically bedridden, disabled, terminally ill, or elderly persons.

PSC relevance: Social Welfare Schemes – Kerala

2. No Vande Mataram directive for schools on Independence Day

• The Director of General Education issued a circular that mentions only the national anthem Jana Gana Mana for school programmes on 15 August.
• There is no instruction to include Vande Mataram in school celebrations this year.

PSC relevance: Education Policy – National Anthem

3. Kochi Corporation approves Brahmapuram waste‑treatment plant

• The proposal was passed despite opposition from LDF councillors in the corporation council meeting.
• The new plant will have a capacity to treat 150 tonnes of biodegradable waste daily.

PSC relevance: Urban Local Bodies – Waste Management

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National News

4. Kashmir bat‑making industry valued at ₹700 crore

• The industry, worth approximately ₹700 crore, supports about 50,000 livelihoods in Kashmir.
• It faces challenges such as willow shortage, climate change, and smuggling affecting production.

PSC relevance: Indian Economy – Cottage Industries & Environment

5. Four arrested in Mumbai ₹30‑crore Ponzi scheme

• Police detained four individuals linked to a ₹30 crore Ponzi scheme promising 5‑7% monthly returns.
• The scheme operated without any RBI or SEBI licence, accepting illegal cash investments.

PSC relevance: Financial Crimes – Securities Regulation

6. Maharashtra to set up drone policy task force

• The Maharashtra government announced a task force to implement a comprehensive drone policy.
• Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said the move aims to strengthen the drone ecosystem and attract new investments.

PSC relevance: Science & Technology – Drone Policy

7. Tiranga Yatra in Bihar and Jharkhand under ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’

• Thousands participated in the Tiranga Yatra as part of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ 2026 campaign.
• The event was led by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and organized by the 209 CoBRA Battalion (CRPF).

PSC relevance: National Integration – Cultural Programs

8. Bombay High Court grants anticipatory bail to ex‑TISS student

• The Bombay High Court provided protection from arrest to an ex‑TISS student in an anticipatory bail plea.
• The hearing for the bail application is scheduled for 31 August 2026.

PSC relevance: Judicial Process – Anticipatory Bail

9. Police serve unmarked proforma to West Bengal madrasas

• Police are serving unmarked proforma to madrasas seeking details of foreign funding and visitors.
• Activists from the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR) wrote to CM Suvendu Adhikari demanding transparency.

PSC relevance: Law & Order – Police Powers & Foreign Funding

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10 MCQs

Q1. What is the new monthly assistance amount under Kerala’s Aswasakiranam scheme?

Options: A. ₹500 B. ₹750 C. ₹1,000 D. ₹1,250

Answer: C

Explanation: The scheme increased assistance to ₹1,000 per month.

Q2. Who are the primary beneficiaries of the Aswasakiranam caregiver assistance?

Options: A. School children B. Caregivers of chronically bedridden, disabled, terminally ill or elderly persons C. Farmers D. Senior citizens only

Answer: B

Explanation: The scheme targets caregivers of chronically bedridden, disabled, terminally ill, or elderly persons.

Q3. Which anthem was mandated by the Director of General Education for schools on Independence Day?

Options: A. Vande Mataram B. Jana Gana Mana C. Both A and B D. None

Answer: B

Explanation: The circular mentioned only the national anthem Jana Gana Mana.

Q4. What is the waste‑treatment capacity of the newly approved Brahmapuram plant?

Options: A. 100 tonnes B. 150 tonnes C. 200 tonnes D. 250 tonnes

Answer: B

Explanation: The plant will treat 150 tonnes of biodegradable waste daily.

Q5. The Kashmir bat‑making industry is valued at approximately how many crore rupees?

Options: A. ₹300 crore B. ₹500 crore C. ₹700 crore D. ₹900 crore

Answer: C

Explanation: The industry is valued at ₹700 crore.

Q6. Approximately how many people are employed by the Kashmir bat‑making industry?

Options: A. 20,000 B. 35,000 C. 50,000 D. 75,000

Answer: C

Explanation: It supports about 50,000 livelihoods.

Q7. The Mumbai Ponzi scheme promised monthly returns of what range?

Options: A. 1‑3% B. 3‑5% C. 5‑7% D. 7‑10%

Answer: C

Explanation: The scheme promised 5‑7% monthly returns.

Q8. Which state announced a task force for drone policy implementation?

Options: A. Gujarat B. Maharashtra C. Karnataka D. Tamil Nadu

Answer: B

Explanation: Maharashtra will set up a drone policy task force.

Q9. The Tiranga Yatra in Bihar and Jharkhand was part of which 2026 campaign?

Options: A. Swachh Bharat B. Har Ghar Tiranga C. Make in India D. Digital India

Answer: B

Explanation: It was conducted under the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ 2026 campaign.

Q10. On what date is the anticipatory bail hearing for the ex‑TISS student scheduled?

Options: A. August 28, 2026 B. August 29, 2026 C. August 30, 2026 D. August 31, 2026

Answer: D

Explanation: The hearing is set for 31 August 2026.

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Quick Recap

#	Topic	One-line
1	Caregiver Aid	Aswasakiranam assistance raised to ₹1,000 per month for caregivers.
2	School Anthem	Schools instructed to sing only Jana Gana Mana on Independence Day.
3	Waste Plant	Brahmapuram plant approved to treat 150 tonnes of waste daily.
4	Bat Industry	Kashmir bat‑making sector valued at ₹700 crore, employing ~50,000.
5	Ponzi Arrests	Four arrested in Mumbai for a ₹30 crore scheme promising 5‑7% returns.
6	Drone Task Force	Maharashtra to form a task force for drone policy and investment.
7	Tiranga Yatra	Mass Tiranga Yatra held in Bihar & Jharkhand under ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’.
8	Bail Order	Bombay High Court grants anticipatory bail to ex‑TISS student; hearing on Aug 31.
9	Madrasas Probe	Police serve unmarked proforma to West Bengal madrasas for foreign funding details.
10	PSC Prep	Ten MCQs test key facts from today’s current‑affairs roundup.

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