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Current affairs of 9 November 2026 (Shanmugam IAS Academy) – explained for UPSC, TNPSC and other competitive exams
News
The Goa College of Home Science, Panaji, has introduced a certificate course titled 'Marriage Readiness: Preparing for Healthy and Lasting Relationships' (PTI, 4 November 2026). Designed by the college's Department of Human Development and Family Studies, the 15-day course will run from 2 to 17 December 2026. It is open to UG and PG students, unmarried young adults and anyone interested in healthy relationships. Topics include self-awareness, how ideas of masculinity and femininity shape relationships, and the difference between a wedding and a marriage. Principal Mahesh Pai said marriage readiness goes beyond planning a wedding and needs an understanding of oneself, one's partner and the relationship. Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said the government plans to introduce pre-marriage counselling across the State to reduce divorces. Over 3,000 marriage- and divorce-related petitions were filed in Goa's civil courts in 2022–2025 (947 in 2024 alone).
Key facts for the exam
Point
Details
College
Goa College of Home Science, Panaji
Course
Marriage Readiness: Preparing for Healthy and Lasting Relationships (certificate)
Department
Human Development and Family Studies
Duration
15 days; 2–17 December 2026
Who can join
Students, unmarried young adults, others interested
Govt plan
State-wide pre-marriage counselling (CM Sawant)
Petitions
2022–25: 3,000+; 2024: 947
Goa law
Goa Civil Code, based on the Portuguese Civil Code of 1867
Background
History: In 1510 Afonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from the Bijapur (Adil Shahi) Sultan, beginning about 450 years of Portuguese rule. Goa, Daman and Diu were freed by 'Operation Vijay' on 18–19 December 1961; 19 December is Goa Liberation Day. Goa became the 25th State on 30 May 1987.
Goa Civil Code: The Portuguese Civil Code of 1867 was extended to Goa in 1870 and retained after liberation. It makes civil registration of marriage compulsory and follows 'communion of assets' – spouses jointly own property held before and acquired during marriage, each getting half on divorce. Critics note community-specific provisions mean it is not a fully uniform code.
Polity: Article 44 (a Directive Principle) asks the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code. Marriage, divorce and succession are in the Concurrent List (Entry 5), so both Parliament and States can legislate. The Special Marriage Act, 1954 allows civil marriage irrespective of religion.
Society: Pre-marriage counselling and Family Courts (Family Courts Act, 1984) aim to reduce family disputes through conciliation. The Goa course is an attempt to give young people psychological awareness about relationships before marriage.
Tamil Nadu link: Tamil Nadu: The Tamil Nadu Registration of Marriages Act, 2009 makes registration of all marriages compulsory irrespective of religion. The Social Welfare Department's marriage-assistance schemes include Dr Dharmambal Ammaiyar Ninaivu (widow remarriage), E.V.R. Maniammaiyar Ninaivu (daughters of poor widows), Annai Theresa Ninaivu (orphan girls) and Dr Muthulakshmi Reddy Ninaivu (inter-caste marriage). The Moovalur Ramamirtham Ammaiyar marriage scheme for daughters of poor families was converted in 2022 into a Higher Education Assurance Scheme ('Pudhumai Penn').
Frequently asked questions
What is this news about?
The Goa College of Home Science, Panaji, has introduced a certificate course titled 'Marriage Readiness: Preparing for Healthy and Lasting Relationships' (PTI, 4 November 2026). Designed by the college's Department of Human Development and Family Studies, the 15-day course will run from 2 to 17 December 2026.
What are the key facts to remember for the exam?
College: Goa College of Home Science, Panaji; Course: Marriage Readiness: Preparing for Healthy and Lasting Relationships (certificate); Department: Human Development and Family Studies; Duration: 15 days; 2–17 December 2026.
What is the background to this news?
History: In 1510 Afonso de Albuquerque captured Goa from the Bijapur (Adil Shahi) Sultan, beginning about 450 years of Portuguese rule.
