Kerala PSC Current Affairs Brief — 18 August 2026

Today’s digest blends Kerala-specific governance and public safety issues with national policy and judicial updates. The selection prioritizes PSC-relevant topics such as constitutional bodies, traffic management, and environmental directives.

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Kerala News

1. Kozhikode Corporation anthem row

• Police recorded the statement of a UDF leader in Kozhikode Corporation after two groups of councillors sang Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram simultaneously during the Independence Day ceremony.
• The incident triggered a dispute over the protocol followed during the official Independence Day celebration.

PSC relevance: Constitutional provisions on cultural practices and public order (Article 25, 29)

2. Lokayukta orders removal of hazardous utility installations from bridges

• The Kerala Lokayukta directed the removal of unauthorised metal pipes and telecommunication cables laid along bridges to restore the effective width for public use.
• The order follows a complaint alleging that such installations reduce structural safety and public utility of bridges.

PSC relevance: Lokayukta functions, public infrastructure governance

3. SHRC directive to ease Kochi metro traffic congestion

• The State Human Rights Commission directed the Kochi City District Police Chief to appoint an Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) to inspect and resolve congestion caused by metro road barricading.
• The directive aims to mitigate traffic snarls allegedly exacerbated by ongoing metro construction activities.

PSC relevance: Traffic management, statutory bodies (SHRC)

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National News

4. Jharkhand cancels JSSC-CGL exam amid irregularities

• The Jharkhand government cancelled the JSSC-CGL exam conducted by a tainted firm, following protests by students and a CID search of the JSSC office.
• The decision comes after allegations of malpractice and pressure on Block Level Officers to complete verification tasks.

PSC relevance: Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024

5. Maharashtra’s uncollected voter enumeration forms

• Over 2.07 crore voter enumeration forms remain uncollected in Maharashtra, raising concerns about the accuracy of voter lists ahead of elections.
• NCP-SP leader Rohit Pawar alleged that Block Level Officers conducted desk surveys using inputs from BJP workers, compromising verification.

PSC relevance: Election Commission of India (ECI), Representation of the People Act, 1951

6. Supreme Court rules on elephant corridors

• The Supreme Court directed the Centre to conduct a national survey to remove obstructions from traditional elephant routes.
• The court banned the use of fireballs and spikes to drive away elephants, citing human-animal conflict resolution.

PSC relevance: Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, judicial activism in environmental governance

7. Left parties demand scrapping of NTA and NEP

• The CPI(M), CPI, and CPI(ML) renewed their call to scrap the National Testing Agency (NTA) and National Education Policy (NEP) after errors in the UGC-NET retest.
• The parties argued that the retest announcement exposes deep flaws in the examination system and policy implementation.

PSC relevance: Education Policy, NTA functions, UGC Act

8. Odisha floods affect 7.85 lakh people in 6 districts

• Floods in Odisha have impacted 7.85 lakh people across six districts, prompting a spot assessment by the state’s Revenue and Disaster Management Minister.
• The assessment aims to evaluate the flood response and relief measures in affected areas.

PSC relevance: Disaster Management Act, 2005, state-level disaster response

9. Bihar to resume mining from October 15

• Bihar Chief Minister announced that mining activities will resume from October 15, with mineral royalties earmarked for state welfare and development.
• The decision follows a review to ensure transparency and prevent misuse of mineral wealth.

PSC relevance: Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

10. Opium farmers demand policy reforms

• Opium farmers from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh demanded more farming licences and ₹1 lakh per kg as part of the 2026-27 opium licensing policy.
• The demand comes ahead of the policy announcement scheduled for September.

PSC relevance: Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985

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10 MCQs

Q1. Which constitutional provision is most directly relevant to the Kozhikode Corporation anthem row?

Options: A. Article 25 (Freedom of Conscience and Religion) B. Article 19(1)(a) (Freedom of Speech) C. Article 29 (Protection of Interests of Minorities) D. Article 32 (Right to Constitutional Remedies)

Answer: A

Explanation: The anthem row involved the singing of national songs during an official ceremony, which relates to the freedom of religion and cultural expression under Article 25.

Q2. What action did the Kerala Lokayukta order regarding utility installations on bridges?

Options: A. Mandate their immediate removal B. Conduct a structural audit C. Increase their width D. Relocate them to underground tunnels

Answer: A

Explanation: The Lokayukta directed the removal of unauthorised metal pipes and telecommunication cables from bridges to restore public utility.

Q3. Which statutory body directed the Kochi City Police to appoint an Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic) for congestion resolution?

Options: A. Kerala State Human Rights Commission B. Kerala High Court C. National Green Tribunal D. Election Commission of India

Answer: A

Explanation: The State Human Rights Commission (SHRC) issued the directive to address traffic congestion caused by metro work.

Q4. Why did the Jharkhand government cancel the JSSC-CGL exam?

Options: A. Irregularities in exam conduct B. Low registration numbers C. Political interference D. Technical glitches

Answer: A

Explanation: The exam was cancelled following allegations of malpractice and a CID search of the JSSC office.

Q5. What is the primary concern raised about the uncollected voter enumeration forms in Maharashtra?

Options: A. Accuracy of voter lists B. Delay in election dates C. Increase in voter turnout D. Misuse of forms for propaganda

Answer: A

Explanation: Over 2.07 crore forms remain uncollected, raising concerns about the accuracy of voter lists ahead of elections.

Q6. What directive did the Supreme Court issue regarding elephant corridors?

Options: A. Conduct a national survey to remove obstructions B. Ban all elephant sanctuaries C. Relocate elephants to urban areas D. Allow hunting of elephants in conflict zones

Answer: A

Explanation: The Supreme Court directed the Centre to conduct a national survey to remove obstructions from traditional elephant routes.

Q7. Which political parties demanded the scrapping of NTA and NEP after UGC-NET errors?

Options: A. CPI(M), CPI, and CPI(ML) B. BJP, Congress, and AAP C. DMK, AIADMK, and PMK D. TMC, YSRCP, and BRS

Answer: A

Explanation: The CPI(M), CPI, and CPI(ML) renewed their call to scrap NTA and NEP after errors in the UGC-NET retest.

Q8. What is the scheduled date for resumption of mining activities in Bihar?

Options: A. October 15 B. January 1 C. August 31 D. December 25

Answer: A

Explanation: Bihar’s Chief Minister announced that mining activities will resume from October 15.

Q9. What is the demand of opium farmers for the 2026-27 licensing policy?

Options: A. More farming licences and ₹1 lakh per kg B. Ban on opium cultivation C. Increase in royalty rates D. Shift to synthetic alternatives

Answer: A

Explanation: Opium farmers demanded more farming licences and ₹1 lakh per kg as part of the 2026-27 opium licensing policy.

Q10. Which act regulates the use of narcotic substances in India, relevant to the opium farmers’ demand?

Options: A. Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 B. Essential Commodities Act, 1955 C. Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 D. Forest Conservation Act, 1980

Answer: A

Explanation: The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, regulates the cultivation and use of opium in India.

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Quick Recap

#	Topic	One-line
1	Kozhikode anthem row	Police recorded UDF leader’s statement after simultaneous singing of Jana Gana Mana and Vande Mataram during Independence Day ceremony.
2	Lokayukta on bridge hazards	Kerala Lokayukta ordered removal of unauthorised metal pipes and telecommunication cables from bridges to restore public utility.
3	SHRC on Kochi metro traffic	SHRC directed Kochi City Police to appoint ACP (Traffic) to resolve congestion caused by metro road barricading.
4	Jharkhand exam cancellation	Jharkhand government cancelled JSSC-CGL exam amid irregularities and CID search of JSSC office.
5	Maharashtra voter forms	Over 2.07 crore voter enumeration forms remain uncollected in Maharashtra, raising accuracy concerns.
6	Supreme Court on elephant corridors	SC directed Centre to conduct national survey to remove obstructions from traditional elephant routes and banned fireballs/spikes.
7	Left parties on NTA/NEP	CPI(M), CPI, and CPI(ML) demanded scrapping of NTA and NEP after UGC-NET paper errors.
8	Odisha floods	Floods in Odisha affected 7.85 lakh people across six districts, prompting a spot assessment by the state government.
9	Bihar mining resumption	Bihar CM announced mining activities will resume from October 15, with royalties earmarked for welfare and development.
10	Opium farmers’ demand	Opium farmers from MP, Rajasthan, and UP demanded more licences and ₹1 lakh per kg in the 2026-27 licensing policy.

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