Kerala PSC Current Affairs — 17 May 2026

Today’s digest features a mix of Kerala-specific developments, including the PM SHRI scheme and migrant student achievements, alongside national and international news. Key highlights include India-Netherlands strategic ties, AI in broadcasting, and educational initiatives for out-of-school adolescents.

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Kerala News

1. PM SHRI Scheme Challenges in Kerala

• Nearly ₹1,100 crore of Samagra Shiksha funds withheld by Union government since 2023-24.
• CM-designate V.D. Satheesan criticized LDF government for signing the scheme in October 2023.

PSC relevance: Education Policy, State Schemes

2. Migrant Students Excel in SSLC Exams

• 90 migrant students from 14 schools in Ernakulam district cleared SSLC exams under Roshni project.
• Roshni aims at educational uplift of migrant children in Kerala.

PSC relevance: Education Policy, Social Welfare

3. AI Revives Voices of Literary Icons on AIR

• Voices of Thikkodiyan, Uroob, and K. Raghavan recreated using AI for All Kerala Radio Drama Festival.
• Original voices sourced from All India Radio archives; festival revived after eight years.

PSC relevance: Science & Technology, Broadcasting

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National News

4. India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership

• PM Narendra Modi met King Willem-Alexander and Queen Maxima in Netherlands on May 16.
• Agreements signed to enhance cooperation in digital technology, innovation, fintech, and blue economy.

PSC relevance: International Relations, Foreign Policy

5. Pilot Program for Out-of-School Adolescents

• Centre to roll out pilot program for 14-18 year-olds not in school.
• Includes app-based mapping, monitoring systems, and district-level convergence strategies.

PSC relevance: Education Policy, Social Welfare

6. India’s Youth Power and Innovation

• Karnataka Governor highlighted India’s youth power, diversity, and scientific temperament.
• Emphasized making innovation accessible to all for nation-building.

PSC relevance: Governance, Social Development

7. Vehicle Pooling in Odisha

• Odisha’s urban department advised vehicle pooling and ride-sharing due to fuel shortage.
• Shortage severely impacted agriculture and fisheries sectors in rural areas.

PSC relevance: Environment, Urban Planning

8. Demand for Company Secretaries by 2047

• ICSI President stated India will need 1.5 lakh company secretaries by 2047.
• Current requirement is 10,000 company secretaries as per ICSI.

PSC relevance: Economy, Corporate Governance

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International News

9. Pakistan Facilitates U.S.-Iran Peace Talks

• Pakistani minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran for U.S.-Iran peace talks.
• Visit part of Pakistan’s efforts to promote regional peace.

PSC relevance: International Relations, Diplomacy

10. European Talks with Iran for Hormuz Transit

• European countries in talks with Iran for Hormuz Strait transit.
• Iran blocked shipping through strait since February 28 due to war with U.S. and Israel.

PSC relevance: International Relations, Geopolitics

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10 MCQs

Q1. How much Samagra Shiksha funds have been withheld by the Union government since 2023-24?

Options: A. ₹900 crore B. ₹1,100 crore C. ₹1,300 crore D. ₹1,500 crore

Answer: B

Explanation: PM SHRI Scheme Challenges in Kerala

Q2. Which project helped migrant students in Ernakulam district clear the SSLC exams?

Options: A. Samagra Shiksha B. Roshni C. PM SHRI D. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan

Answer: B

Explanation: Migrant Students Excel in SSLC Exams

Q3. Which literary icons’ voices were revived using AI for the All Kerala Radio Drama Festival?

Options: A. Tagore, Premchand, and Naoroji B. Thikkodiyan, Uroob, and K. Raghavan C. Shakespeare, Dickens, and Austen D. Ghalib, Iqbal, and Faiz

Answer: B

Explanation: AI Revives Voices of Literary Icons on AIR

Q4. Which areas did PM Modi discuss for cooperation with the Netherlands on May 16?

Options: A. Defense and aerospace B. Digital technology, innovation, fintech, and blue economy C. Agriculture and fisheries D. Healthcare and education

Answer: B

Explanation: India-Netherlands Strategic Partnership

Q5. What age group is targeted by the pilot program for out-of-school adolescents?

Options: A. 10-14 years B. 14-18 years C. 18-22 years D. 22-25 years

Answer: B

Explanation: Pilot Program for Out-of-School Adolescents

Q6. What did Karnataka Governor emphasize as crucial for nation-building?

Options: A. Military strength B. Innovation accessibility C. Economic growth D. Population control

Answer: B

Explanation: India’s Youth Power and Innovation

Q7. Which sectors in Odisha were severely impacted by the fuel shortage?

Options: A. IT and manufacturing B. Agriculture and fisheries C. Tourism and hospitality D. Education and healthcare

Answer: B

Explanation: Vehicle Pooling in Odisha

Q8. By what year does India aim to have 1.5 lakh company secretaries?

Options: A. 2030 B. 2040 C. 2047 D. 2050

Answer: C

Explanation: Demand for Company Secretaries by 2047

Q9. Which Pakistani minister visited Tehran to facilitate U.S.-Iran peace talks?

Options: A. Imran Khan B. Mohsin Naqvi C. Nawaz Sharif D. Asif Ali Zardari

Answer: B

Explanation: Pakistan Facilitates U.S.-Iran Peace Talks

Q10. Since when has Iran blocked shipping through the Hormuz Strait?

Options: A. January 1, 2026 B. February 28, 2026 C. March 15, 2026 D. April 8, 2026

Answer: B

Explanation: European Talks with Iran for Hormuz Transit

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Quick Recap

#	Topic	One-line
1	PM SHRI Scheme	₹1,100 crore Samagra Shiksha funds withheld by Union government since 2023-24.
2	Roshni Project	90 migrant students from Ernakulam cleared SSLC exams under Roshni initiative.
3	AI in Broadcasting	AI revived voices of Thikkodiyan, Uroob, and K. Raghavan for All Kerala Radio Drama Festival.
4	India-Netherlands Ties	Agreements signed to enhance cooperation in digital technology, innovation, fintech, and blue economy.
5	Out-of-School Adolescents	Pilot program launched for 14-18 year-olds not in school, including app-based mapping.
6	Youth Power	Karnataka Governor emphasized innovation accessibility for nation-building.
7	Vehicle Pooling	Odisha advised vehicle pooling due to fuel shortage impacting agriculture and fisheries.
8	Company Secretaries	India aims for 1.5 lakh company secretaries by 2047, up from current 10,000.
9	U.S.-Iran Talks	Pakistani minister Mohsin Naqvi visited Tehran to facilitate U.S.-Iran peace talks.
10	Hormuz Strait	Iran blocked shipping through Hormuz Strait since February 28 due to war with U.S. and Israel.

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