Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (29th April, 2026)

National News

India Announces 3-Year IP Fee Waiver for Sports Sector to Boost Innovation

• Piyush Goyal announced a 3-year fee waiver on intellectual property registrations during World Intellectual Property Day in New Delhi to boost sports innovation.
• The waiver covers patents, trademarks, copyrights, designs, and geographical indications, encouraging startups, athletes, and innovators to protect their ideas without financial burden.
• The initiative also highlighted the GI-tagged Kashmir willow cricket bat and plans to develop sports manufacturing clusters in Jammu & Kashmir and Meerut.
• Additionally, a smart wearables hackathon with Indian Institute of Technology Delhi was launched to drive tech innovation in fitness and performance.

APEDA to Set Up Basmati and Organic Training Centre in Pilibhit to Boost Exports

• The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority has been allotted 7 acres in Tanda Bijesi village to set up a ₹15 crore basmati and organic training centre aimed at boosting India’s agricultural exports.
• The centre will feature advanced training facilities, demonstration farms, a seed production unit, an auditorium, a museum of basmati varieties, and a NABL-accredited lab for DNA profiling and quality testing. It will be developed with support from Public Works Department and completed within a year.
• A key highlight is the use of AI-based satellite monitoring to map cultivation, identify basmati varieties, and improve export traceability and efficiency.
• Under the Basmati Export Development Foundation, the project aims to train over 50,000 farmers, promote organic farming, and strengthen export readiness across Uttar Pradesh and neighbouring regions.

International News

India Submits Updated Climate Targets for 2031–2035 to UNFCCC

• India has submitted updated climate targets for 2031–2035 to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, strengthening its Nationally Determined Contributions under the Paris Agreement.
• The new goals include a 47% reduction in emissions intensity, 60% non-fossil power capacity, and creation of a 3.5–4 billion tonne carbon sink through forests.
• Building on earlier achievements, India has already met key 2030 targets ahead of time, enabling it to raise ambition toward its 2070 net-zero goal.
• Supported by initiatives like the National Green Hydrogen Mission and International Solar Alliance, the plan emphasizes clean energy and sustainable growth.

Finland Launches Europe’s First Fully Integrated Lithium Project Near Kokkola

• Finland has launched Europe’s first fully integrated lithium project near Kokkola, covering mining, processing, and refining into battery-grade material.
• Known as the Keliber Project, it aims to produce 15,000 tonnes annually, meeting about 10% of Europe’s lithium demand and boosting EV and clean energy supply chains.
• Lithium, crucial for batteries and renewable storage, is often seen as a strategic resource, making this project key to reducing Europe’s import dependence.
• Backed by Sibanye-Stillwater and Finnish Minerals Group, it strengthens Europe’s energy security and green transition.

UAE announces exit from OPEC and OPEC+ from May 2026

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced that it will leave OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1, 2026, ending nearly six decades of membership and marking a major shift in global energy politics.
• The decision is driven by the UAE’s desire for greater production flexibility, frustration with OPEC quota limits, and its expanded investment in oil capacity to meet rising global energy demand.
• Analysts say the exit could weaken OPEC’s influence, increase supply competition, and potentially raise market volatility as the UAE boosts output independently.
• It also signals a broader shift in global oil dynamics, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.

India’s Defence Spending Rises to $92.1 Billion, Ranks Fifth Globally: SIPRI

• India emerged as the fifth-largest military spender in 2025, according to a report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. The country’s defence expenditure rose by 8.9% to $92.1 billion, reflecting increasing security needs and ongoing military modernization.
• A major factor behind this rise was heightened tensions, including the India–Pakistan conflict May 2025, which saw the use of advanced technologies such as drones, missiles, and combat aircraft.
• This growth highlights India’s focus on strengthening defence capabilities amid evolving regional threats and its effort to maintain strategic preparedness in a complex security environment.

Banking News

RBI Launches Mission SAKSHAM to Enhance Governance in Urban Co-operative Banks

• RBI launched Mission SAKSHAM on 28 April 2026 to strengthen Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs) through large-scale capacity building.
• The programme will train around 1.4 lakh stakeholders, including board members, senior management, auditors, IT and operational staff.
• It focuses on improving governance, compliance, risk management and operational efficiency using both classroom and digital learning modules.
• Aimed at long-term transformation, the mission addresses structural weaknesses in UCBs and builds a sustainable learning ecosystem for a stronger cooperative banking sector in India.

Economy News

India’s IIP Growth Slips to 4.1% in March 2026, Lowest in Five Months

• India’s industrial output growth, measured by the Index of Industrial Production, slowed to 4.1% in March 2026, marking a five-month low and signaling easing economic momentum.
• Data from the National Statistics Office shows weaker performance in manufacturing (4.3%) and a sharp slowdown in power (0.8%), while mining remained relatively strong at 5.5%.
• The moderation reflects subdued demand, sectoral challenges, and possible global uncertainties affecting production activity.
• For FY2025–26, industrial growth stood at 4.1%, indicating stable but uneven expansion across sectors without strong acceleration.

Defense News

India Army to Host 11 Nations for First Edition of Exercise PRAGATI in Meghalaya

• The Exercise PRAGATI is the inaugural multinational military drill hosted by the Indian Army at the Foreign Training Node in Umroi, bringing together delegations from 11 friendly nations. It aims to strengthen defence cooperation, interoperability, and mutual trust across the Indian Ocean Region.
• PRAGATI (Partnership of Regional Armies for Growth and Transformation) reflects India’s strategy to build strong regional security partnerships and enhance coordination among participating forces through joint training and knowledge sharing.
• Countries from South Asia and ASEAN—including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam—highlight broad regional participation and India’s outreach.
• Overall, the exercise underscores India’s growing role in Indo-Pacific security, promoting collective stability, military collaboration, and strategic engagement with neighbouring and partner nations.

Sports News

Punjab FC Retain AIFF Elite Youth League Title with 3-0 Win Over Zinc Football Academy

• Punjab FC successfully defended their AIFF Elite Youth League 2025–26 title with a 3–0 win over Zinc Football Academy.
• After a goalless first half, Punjab FC scored three goals in 10 minutes through Karish Soram, captain Vishal Yadav, and Thongram Rishikanta Singh.
• The breakthrough came from Soram’s free-kick in the 69th minute, triggering a dominant late surge that sealed the match.
• The victory highlights Punjab FC’s strong youth development system and establishes them as a leading force in Indian youth football.

Tamil Nadu’s Rithika Sri Scripts History as India’s First Transgender Umpire

• Rithika Sri from Tamil Nadu has become India’s first transgender cricket umpire, marking a major milestone for inclusivity in sports. Her achievement follows a progressive step by the Tamil Nadu Cricket Association, which introduced an “Other” category in its state umpire examination application.
• Born as R. Muthuraj in Salem, Rithika began umpiring in 2021 after being inspired by the Indian Premier League. Despite facing discrimination and social barriers, she continued officiating local matches and pursued her passion with determination.
• Her success highlights growing recognition of gender diversity in sports administration and reflects the broader impact of the NALSA v. Union of India, which legally recognized transgender individuals as the third gender in India.

India Wins Four Golds at Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships

• Indian weightlifters delivered an impressive performance at the Commonwealth Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championships held in Apia, winning four gold medals across youth and senior categories.
• The standout performers included Sunil Singh, Aisangfa Gogoi, Abhinob Gogoi, and Charu Pesi, who excelled in both snatch and clean & jerk events.
• Competing alongside the IWF Universal Cup, Indian athletes showcased strength, precision, and consistency, highlighting the country’s rising dominance in global weightlifting.
• This success reflects strong grassroots development, improved coaching, and growing international exposure. Overall, India’s performance signals a bright future, with emerging talent strengthening its position in international weightlifting competitions.

Important Days News

International Dance Day 2026: Celebrating Movement, Expression and Cultural Unity

• International Dance Day 2026, also known as World Dance Day, will be observed on 29 April 2026 worldwide to celebrate dance as a universal form of expression, culture, and communication. It is organised by the International Theatre Institute with support from UNESCO and commemorates the birth anniversary of Jean-Georges Noverre, the father of modern ballet.
• The day promotes creativity, unity, emotional well-being, and cultural exchange through dance across all age groups and communities.
• It also highlights dance as a powerful medium for education, identity, and global harmony beyond language barriers.
• Celebrations include performances, workshops, cultural events, and awareness programs that showcase diverse dance traditions globally.

Obituaries News

Who Was Bharat Kapoor? Know His Education, Career and Contribution to Indian Cinema

• Bharat Kapoor, a veteran of Hindi cinema and television, passed away on April 27, 2026, in Mumbai at the age of 80 due to age-related complications.
• With a career spanning nearly four decades, he appeared in over 150 films and numerous TV serials, earning respect for his powerful screen presence and versatile performances.
• He began his film journey with Jangal Mein Mangal and gained recognition through notable films like Noorie, Khuda Gawah, and Saajan Chale Sasural. On television, he featured in popular shows such as Tara and Amanat, connecting deeply with audiences.
• Beyond acting, Kapoor also directed films like Raeeszada, showcasing his storytelling abilities. His legacy lies in the depth and authenticity he brought to supporting roles, leaving a lasting impact on Indian entertainment.

Current Affairs Today | 29th April 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam