Context: The Bihar Government has announced plans to accelerate the allocation of mineral blocks and initiate mining-related activities in the state. The announcement was made during a workshop on the auction of critical and strategic mineral blocks and the National Mineral Development Corporation Trust (NMDCT), organised by the Ministry of Coal and the Ministry of Mines.

Key Announcements

● Bihar has identified 44 mining blocks, of which survey-related work has progressed in 28 blocks. More than 30 mining blocks are expected to be allocated before 30 September, while initiatives to commence mining activities are proposed from 15 October.

● The state government has also indicated that the ongoing processes relating to mineral blocks may be completed within approximately nine months.

● The proposed mineral-development programme is linked with the state’s broader objective of attracting investment. The government has expressed an ambition to work towards an investment target of ₹5 lakh crore by November, including the establishment of mineral-related centres.

Mineral Potential in Bihar

● Rohtas: Limestone.

● Aurangabad: A significant mineral belt.

● Jehanabad and Jamui: Magnet-related mineral resources.

● Gaya, Banka and Bhagalpur: Other mineral resources requiring systematic assessment and utilisation.

By-Elections in Bankipur Assembly constituency

Context :  Prashant Kishor, founder of the Jan Suraaj Party, took oath as the MLA from Bankipur Assembly constituency, Bihar, on 17 August 2026. His election followed a by-election, bringing attention to the constitutional and statutory framework governing vacancies in Parliament and State Legislatures

What is a By-Election?

● A by-election (bypoll) is an election held to fill a casual vacancy in an elected legislative body before the expiry of its normal term.

● It ensures that a constituency does not remain without representation for an extended period. The successful candidate generally serves only for the remainder of the original member's term, rather than receiving a fresh full term.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

Six-Month Rule — Section 151A

● A bye-election to fill a casual vacancy shall ordinarily be held within six months from the date of occurrence of the vacancy.

● However, this requirement does not apply when:

• The remainder of the term is less than one year, or
• The Election Commission, in consultation with the Central Government, certifies that it is difficult to hold the bye-election within six months.

When Does a By-Election Become Necessary?

● A casual vacancy may arise because of:

• Death of a sitting MP/MLA
• Resignation
• Disqualification
• Election being declared void by a competent court
• Other circumstances resulting in the seat becoming vacant before expiry of the legislative term

The ECI specifically identifies resignation, disqualification and death among circumstances leading to vacancies requiring bye-elections.

Kerala to be Renamed as Keralam

Context :  President Droupadi Murmu has given assent to the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, making the legislation a law to change the name of the State from Kerala to Keralam. The Lok Sabha passed the Bill on 11 August 2026, followed by the Rajya Sabha on 12 August 2026. 

About the Name Change

● The name ‘Keralam’ is the name of the State in the Malayalam language. The change requires modification of the State's entry in the First Schedule of the Constitution. The Union Cabinet had approved the proposal on 24 February 2026.

Constitutional Provision

● Article 3 of the Constitution empowers Parliament to alter the name, area or boundaries of an existing State.

● For a Bill seeking to alter the name of a State:

• It can be introduced in Parliament only on the recommendation of the President.
• The President must refer the Bill to the concerned State Legislature for expressing its views.
• The views of the State Legislature are not binding on Parliament.

First Schedule

● The First Schedule contains the names and territories of States and Union Territories.

● Therefore, changing the constitutional name of Kerala requires alteration of the relevant entry in the First Schedule.

India–Thailand Joint Military Exercise MAITREE-XV

Context :  An Indian Army contingent has departed for Thailand to participate in the 15th edition of the India–Thailand joint military exercise, MAITREE-XV. The exercise is scheduled to be held from 18–31 August 2026.

About Exercise MAITREE

● MAITREE is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian Army and Royal Thai Army.

● The exercise was started in 2006 and is part of the defence cooperation between India and Thailand.

● Its focus includes enhancing interoperability, joint planning and tactical capabilities, particularly for counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations.

Significance

● Defence cooperation: Strengthens military-to-military relations between India and Thailand.

● Interoperability: Enables both armies to understand each other's operational procedures and conduct joint operations.

● Counter-terrorism: Provides practical training in counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism operations in challenging terrain.

● Knowledge sharing: Facilitates exchange of operational experiences, tactics, techniques and procedures.