Kerala PSC Current Affairs Brief — 03 August 2026

Today’s digest covers Kerala’s weather-induced disruptions, environmental concerns, and scientific achievements, alongside national updates on foreign investments and student protests. The mix reflects governance, economy, and science—key areas for Kerala PSC exams.

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Kerala News

1. Pazhassi dam turbidity disrupts Kannur water supply

• High turbidity in the Pazhassi dam following intense rain and landslips disrupted drinking water treatment in Kannur town and adjoining areas.
• The disruption reduced water supply, prompting authorities to address the issue amid ongoing relief operations.

PSC relevance: Kerala Geography (Water Resources, Dams)

2. Laterite quarry protest in Kannur halted temporarily

• A District Collector issued a temporary stop memo on a laterite quarry permit after inquiries following petitions by a protest committee in Kannur.
• Residents alleged the quarry on an ecologically sensitive laterite hill threatened around 50 Scheduled Tribe families and community facilities.

PSC relevance: Environment & Ecology (Mining, Tribal Rights)

3. Wayanad records 50% monsoon deficit despite recent rains

• According to data released by the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, Wayanad received only 802 mm of average rainfall between June 1 and July 31, against the IMD normal of 1,600 mm for the period.
• The district remains under alert despite easing rains, with a persistent monsoon deficit affecting agricultural activities.

PSC relevance: Kerala Geography (Monsoon, Climate Data)

4. CUK researchers patent catalyst for cleaner fuel production

• Researchers at CUK (Calicut University) secured a patent for a catalyst technology enabling more effective chemical reactions for cleaner fuel production.
• The newly developed catalyst integrates multiple functions, improving access to active sites within the material for enhanced efficiency.

PSC relevance: Science & Technology (Patents, Catalysis)

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National News

5. Centre approves 63 FDI proposals worth ₹10,292 crore in FY26

• The government approved 63 FDI proposals worth ₹10,292.67 crore (USD 1.18 billion) during April 2025–March 2026, according to DPIIT data.
• Only one proposal from China (₹1 crore) was approved, while 13 proposals were from Hong Kong during the same period.

PSC relevance: Indian Economy (FDI Policy, DPIIT)

6. BMC launches CCTV surveillance to curb illegal waste dumping

• The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)’s Solid Waste Management Department initiated CCTV surveillance to monitor illegal waste dumping in Mumbai and suburbs.
• The campaign aims to improve visible cleanliness and enforce waste management regulations across the city.

PSC relevance: Urban Governance (Waste Management, Smart Cities)

7. Students protest JPSC exam irregularities in Ranchi

• Students in Ranchi continued protests demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Test held on April 19, 2026.
• Protesters also demanded an independent probe by central agencies, including the CBI and Enforcement Directorate, into alleged exam irregularities.

PSC relevance: Constitutional Bodies (JPSC, CBI, ED)

8. Assam floods affect 1.35 lakh people; 85 deaths reported

• As of the latest update, 1.35 lakh people remain affected by floods in Assam, with 85 deaths reported across the state.
• Sivasagar district is the worst-hit, with over 55,000 people affected, followed by Charaideo and Jorhat.

PSC relevance: Disaster Management (Floods, Relief Operations)

9. West Bengal CM assures safety to Taslima Nasrin

• The West Bengal Chief Minister stated that Taslima Nasrin’s safety is the government’s responsibility and invited her to visit Kolkata.
• Taslima Nasrin expressed her desire to return to Kolkata, highlighting historical and cultural ties to the city.

PSC relevance: Indian Polity (State Governance, Cultural Rights)

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10 MCQs

Q1. Which dam in Kerala experienced high turbidity disrupting drinking water supply in Kannur?

Options: A. Malampuzha Dam B. Pazhassi Dam C. Idukki Dam D. Neyyar Dam

Answer: B

Explanation: The news context explicitly states that high turbidity in the Pazhassi dam disrupted drinking water treatment in Kannur.

Q2. What action did the Kannur District Collector take regarding the laterite quarry permit?

Options: A. Issued a permanent ban B. Issued a temporary stop memo C. Approved the quarry expansion D. Delegated the decision to the state government

Answer: B

Explanation: The District Collector issued a temporary stop memo on the laterite quarry permit following inquiries and protests.

Q3. According to the Hume Centre for Ecology and Wildlife Biology, what was Wayanad’s monsoon deficit percentage as of July 31, 2026?

Options: A. 30% B. 40% C. 50% D. 60%

Answer: C

Explanation: The data released by the Hume Centre indicated a 50% monsoon deficit in Wayanad, with only 802 mm of rainfall against a normal of 1,600 mm.

Q4. Which institution secured a patent for a catalyst technology to produce cleaner fuels?

Options: A. IIT Madras B. CUK (Calicut University) C. IISER Thiruvananthapuram D. NIT Calicut

Answer: B

Explanation: The news context states that researchers at CUK (Calicut University) secured a patent for the catalyst technology.

Q5. How many FDI proposals were approved by the Indian government in FY26 (April 2025–March 2026)?

Options: A. 50 B. 63 C. 75 D. 80

Answer: B

Explanation: The DPIIT data cited in the news context shows that 63 FDI proposals were approved during FY26.

Q6. What was the total value of FDI proposals approved in FY26?

Options: A. ₹8,500 crore B. ₹9,800 crore C. ₹10,292.67 crore D. ₹12,000 crore

Answer: C

Explanation: The approved FDI proposals were valued at ₹10,292.67 crore (USD 1.18 billion) during FY26.

Q7. Which city’s municipal corporation launched CCTV surveillance to monitor illegal waste dumping?

Options: A. Delhi B. Mumbai C. Bengaluru D. Chennai

Answer: B

Explanation: The BMC (Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation) launched CCTV surveillance to curb illegal waste dumping in Mumbai.

Q8. Which exam did students in Ranchi protest, alleging irregularities?

Options: A. UPSC Civil Services Exam B. JPSC Combined Preliminary Test C. SSC CGL Exam D. NEET UG Exam

Answer: B

Explanation: Students protested the 14th JPSC Combined Preliminary Test held on April 19, 2026, over alleged irregularities.

Q9. Which district in Assam is the worst-hit by floods, with over 55,000 people affected?

Options: A. Jorhat B. Charaideo C. Sivasagar D. Dhemaji

Answer: C

Explanation: The news context states that Sivasagar district is the worst-hit, with over 55,000 people affected by floods.

Q10. What assurance did the West Bengal Chief Minister give to Taslima Nasrin?

Options: A. Financial assistance for her return B. Safety during her visit to Kolkata C. A government job in West Bengal D. Citizenship rights

Answer: B

Explanation: The West Bengal Chief Minister assured that Taslima Nasrin’s safety is the government’s responsibility and invited her to visit Kolkata.

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Quick Recap

#	Topic	One-line
1	Pazhassi dam turbidity	Disrupted drinking water supply in Kannur due to high turbidity from heavy rains.
2	Laterite quarry protest	Kannur District Collector issued a temporary stop memo on a laterite quarry permit after protests.
3	Wayanad monsoon deficit	Wayanad recorded a 50% monsoon deficit despite recent rains, per Hume Centre data.
4	CUK catalyst patent	Calicut University researchers secured a patent for a catalyst technology to produce cleaner fuels.
5	FDI approvals FY26	Centre approved 63 FDI proposals worth ₹10,292.67 crore in FY26, with only 1 from China.
6	BMC CCTV surveillance	BMC launched CCTV surveillance to monitor illegal waste dumping in Mumbai.
7	JPSC exam protests	Students in Ranchi protested JPSC exam irregularities, demanding a CBI probe.
8	Assam floods	1.35 lakh people remain affected by floods in Assam, with Sivasagar as the worst-hit district.
9	West Bengal CM’s assurance	West Bengal CM assured Taslima Nasrin of her safety during a visit to Kolkata.

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