Kerala PSC Current Affairs — 08 May 2026

This daily digest brings you a mix of crucial updates from Kerala, national, and international arenas, essential for your Kerala PSC preparation. Today’s topics range from significant political developments and governance issues to public health concerns and international relations.

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Kerala News

1. Kerala CM Selection and Opposition Leadership

• The Congress high command is set to pick the next Kerala Chief Minister, with V.D. Satheesan, K.C. Venugopal, and Ramesh Chennithala in the race.
• Meanwhile, the CPI(M) and Left front are conducting an internal review, with Pinarayi Vijayan likely to be the Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly.

PSC relevance: Indian Polity, State Politics, Appointments

2. Caution Against Mosquito-Borne Diseases

• Health authorities in Kerala have sounded caution over mosquito-borne diseases, emphasizing consistent field surveillance and control measures.
• Stagnant water and intermittent rains are creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks across the state.

PSC relevance: Public Health, Kerala Governance, Environment

3. Kerala’s Power Sector Challenges

• Kerala’s recent electricity crisis has highlighted the state’s inability to fully utilize its significantly grown solar power capacity.
• A major dampener is the lack of ample systems to store excess power generated during daytime, impacting the state’s energy security.

PSC relevance: Kerala Economy, Energy Sector, Infrastructure

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National News

4. West Bengal Assembly Dissolved; BJP Government to Form

• The 17th West Bengal Legislative Assembly, sworn in after the 2021 elections, has been dissolved by the Governor.
• The swearing-in of the first BJP government in West Bengal is scheduled to be held at Brigade Parade Grounds on Saturday.

PSC relevance: Indian Polity, State Governance, Constitutional Powers (Governor)

5. Tamil Nadu Government Formation and Governor’s Role

• The Tamil Nadu Governor has informed TVK chief Vijay that he has not yet established a majority to form the government, despite a popular mandate.
• The CPI(M), CPI, and VCK hold crucial support, essential for either the TVK or the AIADMK to form a government in the state.

PSC relevance: Indian Polity, State Politics, Constitutional Powers (Governor)

6. Maharashtra’s Three-Language Policy Controversy

• A three-language policy in Maharashtra has become a new flashpoint, though it was temporarily avoided by the government.
• Various language groups remain aggressive, vowing not to relent until the government scraps the controversial rule and related examination policies.

PSC relevance: Indian Polity, Language Policy, Education Policy

7. NCRB Data: Crimes by Foreigners in India

• West Bengal has topped the states in crimes committed by foreigners, according to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).
• The data indicates that Bangladeshis constitute the top accused nationality in these crimes, with overall cases rising from 238 in 2023 to 257 in 2024.

PSC relevance: National Security, Crime Statistics, Governance (NCRB)

8. Drug Consignments Seized Along Gujarat Coast

• Personnel of the 176 Battalion of the BSF recovered ten packets of contraband during a patrol operation in the creek region of Kutch, Gujarat.
• Officials confirmed the recovery of several drugs consignments along the Gujarat coast, indicating ongoing efforts against illicit trafficking.

PSC relevance: National Security, Border Security (BSF), Law & Order

9. Action Against Cyber Extortion Networks

• Police have stepped up action against alleged cyber extortion, receiving fresh evidence pointing to organised extortion networks behind loan apps.
• Multiple complaints highlight prolonged harassment, data misuse, and intimidation of borrowers, exacerbated by a lack of awareness about data privacy and digital security.

PSC relevance: Cybercrime, Law & Order, Digital Security, Governance

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International News

10. US and Iran Trade Fire, Threatening Ceasefire

• The United States and Iran have traded fire, threatening a fragile ceasefire, with Iran accusing the U.S. of violating the truce by attacking an oil tanker.
• Iran’s military stated its forces immediately retaliated by attacking American military vessels after the alleged U.S. attack on Thursday.

PSC relevance: International Relations, Geopolitics, Middle East Conflict

11. IOC Lifts Restrictions on Belarusian Athletes

• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lifted restrictions on Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete freely under their own flag and anthem.
• This decision clears the way for Belarusian athletes to participate in all qualifying events for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, including in team sports.

PSC relevance: International Organizations (IOC), Sports, Geopolitics

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10 MCQs

Q1. Which political leader is likely to become the Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly, according to recent reports?

Options: A. V.D. Satheesan B. K.C. Venugopal C. Pinarayi Vijayan D. Ramesh Chennithala

Answer: C

Explanation: Pinarayi Vijayan is likely to be the Opposition leader in the Kerala Assembly.

Q2. What is identified as a major factor hindering Kerala’s ability to fully utilize its solar power capacity?

Options: A. Lack of government subsidies B. Insufficient sunlight C. Lack of ample systems to store excess power D. High cost of solar panels

Answer: C

Explanation: A major dampener is the lack of ample systems to store excess power generated during daytime.

Q3. Which state’s Legislative Assembly was recently dissolved by its Governor, paving the way for the formation of the first BJP government there?

Options: A. Tamil Nadu B. Maharashtra C. West Bengal D. Kerala

Answer: C

Explanation: The 17th West Bengal Legislative Assembly was dissolved by the Governor, and the first BJP government in West Bengal is scheduled to be sworn in.

Q4. Which political party’s chief was informed by the Tamil Nadu Governor that he had not yet established a majority to form the government?

Options: A. DMK B. AIADMK C. TVK D. CPI(M)

Answer: C

Explanation: The Tamil Nadu Governor has informed TVK chief Vijay that he has not yet established a majority.

Q5. What policy has become a new flashpoint in Maharashtra, leading to aggressive protests from language groups?

Options: A. Agricultural loan waiver policy B. Three-language policy C. Industrial development policy D. Public transportation policy

Answer: B

Explanation: A three-language policy in Maharashtra has become a new flashpoint.

Q6. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) data, which state topped in crimes committed by foreigners?

Options: A. Gujarat B. Maharashtra C. Kerala D. West Bengal

Answer: D

Explanation: West Bengal has topped the states in crimes committed by foreigners, according to data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

Q7. Which paramilitary force’s 176 Battalion recently recovered ten packets of contraband during a patrol operation in the creek region of Kutch, Gujarat?

Options: A. CRPF B. CISF C. BSF D. ITBP

Answer: C

Explanation: Personnel of the 176 Battalion of the BSF recovered ten packets of contraband during a patrol operation in the creek region of Kutch.

Q8. What is a key factor contributing to the increased risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Kerala, as highlighted by health authorities?

Options: A. Lack of vaccination drives B. Stagnant water and intermittent rains C. Overpopulation D. Poor waste management

Answer: B

Explanation: Stagnant water and intermittent rains are creating ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.

Q9. Which international organization recently lifted restrictions on Belarusian athletes, allowing them to compete under their own flag and anthem?

Options: A. United Nations (UN) B. World Health Organization (WHO) C. International Olympic Committee (IOC) D. FIFA

Answer: C

Explanation: The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has lifted restrictions on Belarusian athletes.

Q10. What is a significant issue highlighted by police regarding cyber extortion networks operating behind loan apps?

Options: A. Lack of physical police presence B. Low internet penetration C. Lack of awareness about data privacy and digital security D. Insufficient legal frameworks

Answer: C

Explanation: Multiple complaints highlight prolonged harassment, data misuse, and intimidation of borrowers, exacerbated by a lack of awareness about data privacy and digital security.

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Quick Recap

#	Topic	One-line
1	Kerala CM/Opposition	Congress to pick Kerala CM; Pinarayi Vijayan likely Opposition leader.
2	Mosquito Diseases	Kerala health authorities caution on mosquito-borne diseases due to stagnant water.
3	Kerala Power	State’s electricity crisis highlights inability to store solar power.
4	West Bengal Govt	Governor dissolves Assembly; first BJP government to be sworn in.
5	Tamil Nadu Govt	Governor states TVK chief Vijay hasn’t established majority; CPI(M), CPI, VCK crucial.
6	Maharashtra Language	Three-language policy sparks controversy in Maharashtra.
7	NCRB Crime Data	West Bengal tops in crimes by foreigners; Bangladeshis are top accused.
8	Gujarat Drugs	BSF’s 176 Battalion seized drug consignments along Gujarat coast.
9	Cyber Extortion	Police step up action against organised cyber extortion networks behind loan apps.
10	US-Iran Conflict	US and Iran trade fire, threatening fragile ceasefire.
11	IOC Belarus	International Olympic Committee lifts restrictions on Belarusian athletes.

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