Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 29 April 2026, Daily Roundup

Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 29 April 2026,Daily Roundup

Current Affairs – 29 April 2026

On 29 April 2026, major developments included India–New Zealand trade expansion, key Supreme Court rulings on road safety, record power demand achievements, and global energy instability following the UAE’s exit from OPEC+.

National Affairs

• India–New Zealand FTA Signed: India and New Zealand signed a major Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, granting 100% duty-free access to several sectors and targeting $20 billion investment, supporting the Viksit Bharat 2047 vision.
• Supreme Court on Road Safety: The Supreme Court declared the Right to Safe Road Travel as part of the Right to Life (Article 21) and directed stricter highway patrol and emergency response systems.
• Varanasi Development Projects: The Prime Minister launched projects worth ₹6,350 crore focused on urban transport, infrastructure, and heritage conservation.
• Power Demand Record: India successfully met a record 256.11 GW peak electricity demand, with thermal power contributing 67% and solar over 21%.
• UPI Milestone: PhonePe became the first digital platform to cross 10 billion monthly UPI transactions (10.50 billion in March 2026).

International Current Affairs

• India–Kenya Customs MoU: Signed during the 10th Joint Trade Committee meeting in Nairobi to improve customs cooperation and boost bilateral trade valued at $4.31 billion (FY 2025–26).
• Global Biofuels Alliance Expansion: Jordan joined the India-led Global Biofuels Alliance, marking strengthened renewable energy cooperation and 75 years of diplomatic relations.

Global Geopolitical Developments

• UAE Exits OPEC+: The United Arab Emirates withdrew from OPEC and OPEC+, triggering volatility in global oil markets.
• Hormuz Supply Shock Warning: The World Bank warned of a possible 24% surge in global energy prices due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, potentially causing the largest oil supply shock in decades.

Defence

• Central Asia Defence Outreach: India initiated defence engagements with Central Asian nations, focusing on joint training and export of indigenous air defence systems.
• Advanced Air Defence Shield: The government approved deployment of an additional air defence shield to strengthen security at strategic border installations.

Science & Technology

• Electrochromic Energy Storage: Scientists at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) developed a color-changing energy storage material, useful for smart windows and wearable devices.
• CAR-T Therapy Advancement: Indian researchers enhanced CAR-T cell therapy, enabling improved treatment targeting solid tumours.
• Vikram-1 Rocket Mission: ISRO and Skyroot prepared for the maiden Vikram-1 launch, carrying CubeSats to demonstrate indigenous orbital capability.
• UNESCO Global Geoparks Update: 12 new Global Geoparks were designated worldwide, raising the total to 241 sites across 51 countries.

Sports

• SAFF Women’s Championship 2026: Goa was confirmed as host for the regional football tournament, marking India’s first time hosting the event.
• Badminton Rule Change: The Badminton World Federation (BWF) approved a 15-point scoring system, sparking global debate on match duration and tactics.
• Cricket Infrastructure Expansion: Six indoor cricket academies were inaugurated across Northeast India to promote grassroots talent.

Global Observances

• International Dance Day (29 April): Celebrated globally to honour Jean-Georges Noverre, regarded as the creator of modern ballet.
• World Wish Day (29 April): Marked the anniversary of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, highlighting support for critically ill children.

Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs

• Tamil Nadu: A Holocene-era fossil bed (8,000–12,000 years old) discovered in Panaiyur region.
• Meghalaya: Launched a $4.88 million biodiversity conservation project in collaboration with Tamil Nadu.
• Sikkim: Infrastructure projects worth ₹4,000 crore launched in Gangtok.
• Gujarat: Congress secured a key win in Ahmedabad’s Khadia ward municipal elections.
• Banking: RBI launched Mission Saksham to strengthen digital resilience of Urban Cooperative Banks.