Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 29 May 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs – 29 May 2026
National Current Affairs
CCEA Approves SARTHAK-PDS Scheme: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) approved the SARTHAK-PDS Scheme (2026–2031) with an outlay of ₹25,530 crore to modernise the Public Distribution System (PDS). The scheme integrates AI, ML, Blockchain, IoT-enabled biometric validation, and real-time stock tracking to reduce leakages and eliminate ghost beneficiaries. It merges SMART-PDS reforms with intra-state ration transport and dealer support under the NFSA.
National Health Accounts (FY23) Released: The Ministry of Health released the 10th National Health Accounts (NHA) Report (FY23), showing stabilisation in health spending after the pandemic but highlighting persistent Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) as a major burden on Indian households.
PM Modi Reviews ₹30,000 Crore Projects: At the 51st PRAGATI meeting, PM Narendra Modi reviewed seven key infrastructure projects worth around ₹30,000 crore across Railways, Roads, and Power sectors in nine states. He also stressed the accelerated implementation of rooftop solar projects.
NEET-UG Controversy Under Review: The Centre informed the Supreme Court that PM Modi is personally monitoring the NEET-UG 2026 controversy. A Parliamentary Standing Committee met officials from NTA, Education Ministry, Health Ministry, CBI, and NMC regarding the alleged paper leak case, where 13 arrests have been made so far.
India–China Border Talks: At the 35th Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC) meeting in Beijing, India and China expressed satisfaction over progress in maintaining peace and tranquillity along border areas, enabling gradual normalisation of bilateral relations.
International Current Affairs
India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) Begins: The India–Africa Foreign Ministers’ Meeting commenced in New Delhi, formally launching the 4th India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) under the theme “IA SPIRIT”, focusing on South-South cooperation, maritime security, institutional capacity building, and critical minerals collaboration.
India–US Critical Minerals Pact: India and the United States signed a landmark framework agreement on critical minerals and rare earth supply chains during the Quad-related engagements, aimed at reducing supply vulnerabilities and dependence on monopolistic sources.
Japan–Philippines Strategic Partnership: Japan and the Philippines upgraded ties to a “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership”, with negotiations for a security intelligence-sharing pact amid concerns over China’s regional activities.
NSDC–Japan Skill Mobility Pact: The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) partnered with Japan’s Fourth Valley Concierge Corporation (FVCC) to improve work mobility pathways for skilled Indian professionals in Japan.
Global Geopolitical Crisis
US–Iran Ceasefire Extension Talks: The US and Iran reached a tentative understanding for a 60-day ceasefire extension and framework for nuclear negotiations, though final approval from US President Donald Trump remains pending.
West Asia Conflict Disrupts Trade: Escalating tensions in West Asia continued to disrupt maritime routes and oil markets. Indian industries sought anti-dumping safeguards against chemical imports amid supply-chain disruptions caused by rerouted cargo.
EU Sanctions on Israeli Groups: The European Union imposed sanctions on Israeli settler organisations and individuals for alleged human rights abuses in the West Bank.
Romania Drone Strike: A Russian drone strike hit a residential building in Galati, Romania, near the Ukraine border, injuring civilians and increasing regional tensions.
Defence
MoD Issues RFP for AMCA Project: The Ministry of Defence issued the Request for Proposal (RFP) for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) programme — India’s indigenous 5th-generation stealth fighter aircraft. Private defence firms will participate in production, marking a major shift toward high-end defence indigenisation.
India Expands Defence Modernisation: The Indian Army continued modernisation through indigenous systems and operational upgrades following lessons from Operation Sindoor and regional security challenges.
UN Peacekeeping Recognition: Two Indian peacekeepers — Lance Havildar Harbhajan Singh (DRC) and Naib Subedar Sujit Kumar Pradhan (South Sudan) — were selected posthumously for the Dag Hammarskjöld Medal by the UN. India remains the second-largest troop contributor to UN peacekeeping missions.
Science & Technology
Chandrayaan Data Suggests Subsurface Moon Ice: Scientists at Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Ahmedabad, using Chandrayaan mission radar data, found strong evidence of subsurface water ice near the Moon’s South Pole, critical for future lunar habitation and deep-space exploration.
New Endemic Tree Species Discovered: Botanists identified a new endemic evergreen tree species — Humboldtia nairiana — in the southern Western Ghats, underlining the ecological richness of India’s biodiversity hotspot.
Blue Origin Rocket Explosion: A Blue Origin test rocket exploded during testing in Florida, marking a setback for the company’s future space programme.
SC Suggests Computer-Based NEET: The Supreme Court recommended computer-based testing (CBT) for future NEET examinations with IIT collaboration to strengthen transparency and exam security.
Sports
IPL 2026 – Qualifier 2: ajasthan Royals prepared to face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier-2 of IPL 2026 after eliminating Sunrisers Hyderabad. Young cricketer Vaibhav Sooryavanshi remained a player to watch.
England Team Under Security Cover: The England football team announced military-grade anti-drone protection during the FIFA World Cup 2026 due to espionage and drone threats.
Sports Governance: The passing of veteran sports administrator and Olympic shooter Raja Randhir Singh drew tributes from India’s sports fraternity.
Global Observance
International Day of UN Peacekeepers – 29 May: Observed globally under the theme “Invest in Peace”, honouring peacekeepers serving in conflict zones. The day marks the establishment of the first UN peacekeeping mission (1948).
Major Abhilasha Barak Honoured: Major Abhilasha Barak, India’s first woman combat helicopter pilot, was selected for the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year Award 2025 for service in UNIFIL (Lebanon).
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
- Agriculture: India projected record crop output — 154.02 MT rice and 120.65 MT wheat in 2025–26.
- Environment: Supreme Court flagged illegal sand mining in the National Chambal Sanctuary, threatening Gharials and Gangetic Dolphins.
- Tripura: Mission Queen Pineapple (₹236 crore) launched to improve exports and cold-chain infrastructure.
- IMD: Revised monsoon forecast to 90% of Long Period Average (LPA), categorised as lower-end “below normal”.
- Karnataka: Siddaramaiah resigned as CM, paving the way for D.K. Shivakumar.
- Maharashtra: 15 deaths reported due to spurious liquor in Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad.
- Delhi: Announced major NCR infrastructure projects including UER-II Extension and Noida–Faridabad corridor.
- Judiciary: Supreme Court modified its stand on Section 124A (Sedition), allowing pending cases to continue unless legally challenged.
