Kerala Current Affairs Quiz — Last 12 months
Daily news by your exam, state and topic — each with a short summary, key facts and MCQs.
In the first stage of EVM randomisation, EVMs are randomly allocated:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — From district warehouses to Assembly Constituencies
In the first stage EVMs move from district warehouses to ACs; in the second stage from AC level to polling stations.
Through which software system was the first randomisation of EVM-VVPATs carried out in March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — EVM Management System (EMS)
District Election Officers carried out the first randomisation through the EVM Management System (EMS).
Consider the following about the first randomisation of EVM-VVPATs in March 2026: 1. Only machines that passed First Level Checking were included. 2. It was carried out in the presence of representatives of recognised political parties. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: only FLC-passed EVM-VVPATs were randomised, in the presence of representatives of National and State recognised parties.
Electors above 85 and flagged PwDs who want to vote by postal ballot in the 2026 Assembly elections must apply using:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Form 12D
Such electors can avail the facility using Form 12D, submitted to the Returning Officer through their BLO within 5 days of notification.
Consider the following about the postal ballot facility for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Form 12D can be submitted up to 15 days after the notification of election. 2. The facility for electors above 85 and PwDs flows from Section 60(c) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: Form 12D must be submitted within 5 days of notification. Statement 2 is correct.
For the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs, the ECI deployed roughly one election official for every how many electors?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 70
Over 25 lakh officials for over 17.4 crore electors amounts to nearly one official for every 70 electors.
Consider the following about the ECI's deployment for the 2026 Assembly elections: 1. Expenditure Observers outnumber General Observers among the Central Observers. 2. Deployed personnel are deemed to be on deputation to the ECI under Section 28A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: there are 557 General Observers and 366 Expenditure Observers. Statement 2 is correct.
How many Central Observers did the Election Commission deploy for the 2026 Assembly elections in five States/UTs and the bye-elections?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1,111
The ECI deployed 1,111 observers: 557 general, 188 police and 366 expenditure observers.
The Election Commission appoints Central Observers under Article 324 of the Constitution read with which provision of the Representation of the People Act, 1951?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Section 20B
Central Observers are appointed under Article 324 and Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
In how many phases will the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election be held, as announced by the ECI on 15 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Two
West Bengal votes in two phases, on 23 April and 29 April 2026; Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Puducherry vote in a single phase.
On which date will votes be counted for the 2026 Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Puducherry?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 4 May 2026
Counting for all five Assemblies is scheduled for 4 May 2026.
Which of the following Assemblies going to polls in 2026 has the largest number of seats?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — West Bengal
West Bengal has 294 seats, against 234 in Tamil Nadu, 140 in Kerala, 126 in Assam and 30 in Puducherry.
For the 2026 Assembly elections, the Election Commission fixed the maximum number of electors per polling station at:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1,200
The ECI press note of 15 March 2026 says there shall be a maximum of 1,200 electors in a polling station.
Consider the following about the 2026 Assembly elections announced on 15 March 2026: 1. The ECI conducts them in exercise of powers under Article 324 read with Article 172(1) of the Constitution and Section 15 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. 2. The Model Code of Conduct comes into force only after the formal notification of each phase. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Statement 1 is correct as per the ECI press note. Statement 2 is wrong: the Model Code of Conduct came into effect immediately from the announcement of the schedule.
Along with the 2026 Assembly elections, the ECI announced bye-elections to how many Assembly constituencies in Goa, Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Nagaland and Tripura?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Eight
Bye-elections were announced for 8 Assembly constituencies spread across these six States.
Projects worth about how much were launched by PM Modi in Kochi, Kerala on 11 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹11,000 crore
The PM launched projects worth about ₹11,000 crore in Kochi; ₹5,650 crore was the Tiruchirappalli package the same day.
What annual capacity is the polypropylene unit at the Kochi Refinery, whose foundation stone was laid on 11 March 2026, expected to have?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 4 lakh tonnes
The unit is expected to produce four lakh tonnes a year for the packaging, textile and medical device industries.
Where is the 50-MW floating solar project whose foundation stone the PM laid during his Kerala visit on 11 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — West Kallada
The 50-MW floating solar project is at West Kallada; the PM said Kerala's many water bodies give it great floating-solar potential.
The Perumbalam bridge, inaugurated on 7 March 2026, is built across which water body?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Vembanad Lake
The Perumbalam bridge spans Vembanad Lake in Alappuzha district, Kerala.
Consider the following statements about the Perumbalam bridge: 1. It is about 1,155 metres long and has three bow-string arch spans so that boats can pass. 2. It was funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct: the 1,155.40-m bridge has three 55-m bow-string arch spans and was built for ₹100 crore with KIIFB funding.
Attukal Pongala, held on 3 March 2026, takes place in which city?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Thiruvananthapuram
Attukal Pongala is offered by women devotees to the deity of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Why was the sanctum of the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple closed from 3.10 pm to 7 pm on 3 March 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — A lunar eclipse
A lunar eclipse fell on the same day, so the sanctum closed after the Pongala rituals and reopened at 7 pm.
Where is the Central Facility for Recombinant Cells and Sensors, inaugurated on 1 March 2026, located?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — BRIC-RGCB Thiruvananthapuram
The facility was inaugurated at BRIC-Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram.
Consider the following statements about the BioE3 Policy cited at BRIC-RGCB on 1 March 2026: 1. BioE3 stands for 'Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment'. 2. It was approved by the Union Cabinet on 24 August 2024. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The Cabinet approved the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing on 24 August 2024.
Where is the BPCL Compressed Biogas plant inaugurated on 27 February 2026 located?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Brahmapuram, Kochi
The BPCL CBG plant is at Brahmapuram in Kochi, Kerala.
How much biodegradable municipal solid waste per day will the BPCL CBG plant at Brahmapuram process?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 150 tonnes
The plant will process 150 tonnes of source-segregated biodegradable municipal solid waste per day, giving 5.6 tonnes of CBG and 28 tonnes of manure.
On 24 February 2026, the Union Cabinet approved altering the name of which State to 'Keralam'?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Kerala
The Cabinet approved the proposal to alter the name of Kerala to 'Keralam'.
Under which Article of the Constitution can Parliament by law alter the name of a State, as cited for Kerala's renaming?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Article 3
Article 3 provides that Parliament may by law alter the name of any State.
When did the Kerala Legislative Assembly pass the resolution seeking to rename the State as 'Keralam'?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 24 June 2024
The Assembly passed the resolution on 24 June 2024; the Union Cabinet approved the proposal on 24 February 2026.
Kerala Piravi Day, cited in the Kerala Assembly's 'Keralam' resolution, is observed on:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1 November
States were formed on a linguistic basis on 1 November 1956, which is also Kerala Piravi Day.
Consider the following statements regarding the renaming of a State: 1. A Bill under Article 3 to alter a State's name can be introduced in Parliament only on the recommendation of the President, after it has been referred to the State Legislature for its views. 2. The names of the States are recorded in the First Schedule to the Constitution. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct. The proviso to Article 3 requires the President's recommendation and a reference to the State Legislature; the Kerala resolution notes the name is recorded as 'Kerala' in the First Schedule.
In the 131st Mann Ki Baat (22 February 2026), the Prime Minister paid homage to Alin Sherin Abraham, from which State, whose parents donated her organs?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Kerala
The PM paid homage to Alin Sherin Abraham from Kerala; her parents Arun Abraham and Sherin Ann John donated her organs.
Which episode of Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on 22 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 131st
The 131st episode of Mann Ki Baat was broadcast on 22 February 2026.
Shashi Tharoor's book 'The Sage who Reimagined Hinduism', released on 19 February 2026, is about which social reformer?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Sree Narayana Guru
The book covers the life, lessons and legacy of Sree Narayana Guru, whose message was 'One Caste, One Religion, One God for humankind'.
Under the contract signed on 18 February 2026, Cochin Shipyard Limited will build six LNG-fuelled container vessels for which shipping company?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — CMA CGM
French shipping major CMA CGM signed the contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited for six 1,700 TEU LNG-fuelled feeder container vessels.
Consider the following statements about the CMA CGM–Cochin Shipyard contract of February 2026: 1. The vessels will be 1,700 TEU LNG-fuelled feeder container ships. 2. The vessels will be registered under the French flag. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The six vessels will be built in Kochi and registered under the Indian flag.
How many stamps were in the 'Puppets of India' commemorative set released by the Department of Posts on 13 February 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 8
The set has eight stamps, each showing a traditional puppetry form.
Match the puppetry form with its state as shown on the 'Puppets of India' stamps: 1. Tolu Bommalatta 2. Pavakathakali 3. Kathi Kundhei Select the correct option:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1-Andhra Pradesh, 2-Kerala, 3-Odisha
Tolu Bommalatta is from Andhra Pradesh, Pavakathakali from Kerala and Kathi Kundhei from Odisha.
Kyasanur Forest Disease, for which ICMR announced progress on an improved vaccine on 7 February 2026, is a regional disease mainly of the:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Western Ghats
ICMR describes KFD as an important regional infectious disease in the Western Ghats region.
The improved Kyasanur Forest Disease vaccine is being developed by ICMR–NIV together with:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Indian Immunologicals Limited
Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) and ICMR–NIV are jointly developing the two-dose adjuvanted inactivated vaccine.
How many Central Observers did the ECI brief on 5–6 February 2026 for the forthcoming Assembly elections?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 1,444
1,444 officers attended: 714 General, 233 Police and 497 Expenditure Observers.
Consider the following: 1. Article 324 of the Constitution vests the superintendence, direction and control of elections in the Election Commission. 2. The Central Observers briefed in February 2026 were for Assembly elections in Assam, Kerala, Puducherry, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only 1 is correct. The fifth state was West Bengal, not Karnataka.
The temporary toll plaza at Arikady, removed by the Centre on 4 February 2026, is on which National Highway?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — NH-66
The Arikady toll plaza is on NH-66 in Kasaragod district, Kerala.
What outlay did the Union Budget 2026-27 announce for Biopharma SHAKTI?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — ₹10,000 crore over 5 years
Biopharma SHAKTI has an outlay of ₹10,000 crore over the next five years.
Which of the following states is NOT among those to be supported by the dedicated Rare Earth Corridors announced in the Union Budget 2026-27?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Jharkhand
The Rare Earth Corridors will support Odisha, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
To what amount did the Union Budget 2026-27 raise the outlay of the Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — ₹40,000 crore
The Electronics Components Manufacturing Scheme outlay was increased to ₹40,000 crore.
Consider the following about Biopharma SHAKTI, announced in the Union Budget 2026-27: 1. It includes creating three new National Institutes of Pharmaceutical Education and Research and upgrading seven existing ones. 2. It plans a network of over 1,000 accredited India Clinical Trials sites. Which of the above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Both 1 and 2
Both are correct.
Which state's tableau was judged the best among States/UTs at the Republic Day Parade 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Maharashtra
PIB: The top state/UT tableau (judges) was Maharashtra's 'Ganeshotsav: A Symbol of Aatmanirbharta', followed by J&K and Kerala.
Which contingent was adjudged the best marching contingent among the three Services at the Republic Day Parade 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Indian Navy
PIB: Judges chose the Indian Navy as the best marching contingent among the three Services; the Assam Regiment won the Popular Choice poll.
Match the Republic Day Parade 2026 award with the winner: 1. Best CAPF/auxiliary contingent (judges) 2. Best ministry tableau (judges) 3. Best state tableau (Popular Choice) Winners: a. Ministry of Culture b. Delhi Police c. Gujarat
Show answer
Correct answer: A — 1-b, 2-a, 3-c
PIB: Delhi Police (best CAPF contingent), Ministry of Culture (best ministry tableau), Gujarat (Popular Choice state tableau).
The Prime Minister addressed the centenary of the Arya Vaidya Sala Charitable Hospital on 28 January 2026. Who founded the Arya Vaidya Sala?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier
PIB (PMO): the PM recalled the contributions of Arya Vaidyasala's founder, Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier.
Under the Vizhinjam port capacity augmentation, the container berth will be extended to a continuous length of about:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 2 km
PIB (Shipping): the existing berth will become a continuous 2-km container berth, the longest in India; the breakwater will be extended to 3.88 km.
Vizhinjam International Seaport, whose Phase II–IV works began in January 2026, is located in which state?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Kerala
PIB: the port is at Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.
Consider the following about Vizhinjam International Seaport: 1. Phase I began commercial operations on 3 December 2024. 2. Phase I has a design capacity of 1 million TEUs. 3. Completion of the expansion is targeted by December 2030. Which of the statements given above are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB: Phase I started on 3 December 2024 with a design capacity of 1 million TEUs; the expansion's completion is targeted by December 2028, not 2030.
The PM SVANidhi Credit Card, launched in January 2026, is meant for:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Street vendors
PIB (PMO): the PM SVANidhi Credit Card, a UPI-linked interest-free revolving credit facility, was launched for street vendors.
Which of the following was NOT among the Amrit Bharat Express trains flagged off from Thiruvananthapuram on 23 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Thrissur–Guruvayur
PIB (PMO): the three Amrit Bharat Express trains were Nagercoil–Mangaluru, Thiruvananthapuram–Tambaram and Thiruvananthapuram–Charlapalli; Thrissur–Guruvayur is a passenger train.
The CSIR innovation hub whose foundation stone was laid in Thiruvananthapuram in January 2026 belongs to which laboratory?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — CSIR-NIIST
PIB (PMO): the PM laid the foundation stone of the CSIR-NIIST Innovation, Technology and Entrepreneurship Hub in Thiruvananthapuram.
The third meeting of the Inland Waterways Development Council (IWDC 3.0) was held in January 2026 at:
Show answer
Correct answer: C — Kochi
PIB (Shipping): IWDC 3.0 concluded in Kochi, Kerala, on 23 January 2026.
Among the new projects presented at IWDC 3.0, how many jetties are planned in the North-East?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 85
PIB (Shipping): the projects include 110 jetties — 25 in Odisha and 85 in the North-East.
Which Indian Navy sail training ship set off on the Lokayan 26 expedition on 20 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — INS Sudarshini
PIB (Defence): INS Sudarshini was flagged off from Kochi for Lokayan 26.
During Lokayan 26, INS Sudarshini is scheduled to visit how many ports in how many countries?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 18 ports in 13 countries
PIB (Defence): the ship will traverse about 22,000 nautical miles, visiting 18 ports in 13 countries.
Which vessel was flagged off from Kochi in January 2026 for the fifth edition of the Sagar Maitri initiative?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — INS Sagardhwani
PIB (Defence): INS Sagardhwani, NPOL's oceanographic research vessel, was flagged off for Sagar Maitri V on 17 January 2026.
INS Sagardhwani operates under which DRDO laboratory?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory
PIB (Defence): INS Sagardhwani is India's oceanographic research vessel under the Naval Physical and Oceanographic Laboratory (NPOL) of DRDO.
In the context of the Sagar Maitri programme, MAITRI stands for:
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative
PIB (Defence): DRDO initiated a scientific component titled MAITRI — Marine & Allied Interdisciplinary Training and Research Initiative — under Sagar Maitri.
In January 2026, the Kerala Cabinet fixed what annual family income ceiling for applicants under the Chief Minister's Connect to Work scheme?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — ₹5 lakh
The Hindu and Mathrubhumi: the revised guidelines approved on 14 January 2026 fix the annual family income ceiling at ₹5 lakh.
Consider the following statements about Kerala's Chief Minister's Connect to Work scheme, as revised in January 2026: 1. Applicants must be aged between 18 and 30 years. 2. It provides ₹1,000 a month for 12 months. 3. It is open only to candidates preparing for the Kerala PSC examinations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
The Hindu and Mathrubhumi: statements 1 and 2 are correct. Statement 3 is wrong: youth in skill training and those preparing for UPSC, PSC, bank, railway and other recruitment exams can apply.
What is the name of the Aadhaar mascot launched by UIDAI in January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Udai
PIB (MeitY): UIDAI launched the Aadhaar mascot named Udai (उदय).
In which city did UIDAI Chairman Neelkanth Mishra unveil the Aadhaar mascot 'Udai' on 8 January 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Thiruvananthapuram
PIB (MeitY): the mascot was unveiled at a UIDAI function in Thiruvananthapuram.
Consider the following statements about the Aadhaar mascot 'Udai': 1. It was selected through national design and name competitions on the MyGov platform. 2. The competitions received 875 entries. 3. The design competition was won by a participant from Bhopal. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 1 and 2 only
PIB (MeitY): statements 1 and 2 are correct; the design contest was won by Arun Gokul of Thrissur, Kerala — Riya Jain of Bhopal won the name contest.
The Sivagiri Mutt, where the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage was inaugurated on 30 December 2025, is located at:
Show answer
Correct answer: D — Varkala
PIB (Vice President's Secretariat): the Vice-President inaugurated the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage at the Sivagiri Mutt in Varkala, Kerala.
The message 'One caste, one religion, one God for humankind', recalled by the Vice-President at the 93rd Sivagiri Pilgrimage, is associated with:
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Sree Narayana Guru
PIB: the Vice-President said Sree Narayana Guru answered caste injustice with the words 'One caste, one religion, one God for humankind'.
Under which provision did Kerala decide in December 2025 to directly notify revised minimum wages for private hospital employees?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Section 5(1)(b) of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948
The Hindu (PTI) and Mathrubhumi: the government will invoke Section 5(1)(b) of the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, which empowers it to notify revised wages directly.
According to Kerala's Labour Minister in December 2025, most private hospitals in the State still pay wages based on the notification of which year?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — 2013
The Hindu (PTI) and Mathrubhumi: Sivankutty said most private hospitals pay wages based on the 2013 notification, which is inadequate at present living costs.
The committee formed by Kerala in October 2023 to revise private hospital wages collected evidence in how many districts?
Show answer
Correct answer: D — 14
The Hindu (PTI) and Mathrubhumi: the committee constituted in October 2023 conducted evidence collection in all 14 districts.