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

National News

India’s Fertility Rate Drops Below Replacement Level for the First Time

• India’s Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has dropped to 1.9, falling below the replacement level of 2.1 for the first time, according to the Sample Registration System Statistical Report 2024 released by the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner.
• The decline from 4.6 in 1985 highlights a major demographic shift. While states like Delhi (1.2) show very low fertility, Bihar (2.9) remains highest, reflecting regional imbalance.
• The report also notes rising ageing in southern states, declining birth rates, and persistent gaps in healthcare access, even as institutional deliveries improve across India.

Indian-Origin Student Shrey Parikh Takes Home Scripps National Spelling Bee 2026 Title

State News

Sikkim Police Awarded Prestigious President’s Police Colour by President Droupadi Murmu

• Sikkim Police received the prestigious President’s Police Colour, one of the highest honours for police forces in India, from Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony in Gangtok on May 28, 2026.
• The award recognizes the force’s exceptional service, professionalism, and commitment to public safety since its establishment in 1897.
• President Murmu emphasized the importance of citizen-centric policing, transparency, accountability, and sensitivity toward vulnerable groups while praising Sikkim Police for maintaining peace, social harmony, and strong community trust in the state.

International News

India-Canada CEPA Talks Gain Momentum, Deal Expected by End of 2026

• Canada-India Trade and Investment Forum 2026 marked a major step forward as India and Canada reaffirmed their commitment to conclude negotiations for a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) by the end of 2026.
• The agreement aims to boost trade, investment, and economic cooperation, while improving market access across sectors such as technology, energy, agri-food, and pharmaceuticals.
• Led by Piyush Goyal and Maninder Sidhu, the forum seeks to deepen business ties and strengthen long-term economic partnership between the two countries.

Janez Janša Returns as Slovenia’s Prime Minister for a Fourth Term

• Janez Janša has been elected as Prime Minister of Slovenia for the fourth time by the country’s National Assembly after securing a majority through a coalition led by the Slovenian Democratic Party.
• He received support from 51 out of 87 lawmakers, following weeks of post-election negotiations after the March elections.
• His return reflects a strengthened right-wing coalition in Slovenia and highlights the growing influence of nationalist politics in Europe.
• The European Union, including Ursula von der Leyen, welcomed the outcome and emphasized continued cooperation on economic stability, security, and climate issues.

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing to Visit India from May 30 to June 3

• Min Aung Hlaing will visit India from May 30 to June 3, 2026, at the invitation of Narendra Modi.
• The visit aims to strengthen India-Myanmar relations through discussions on trade, connectivity, regional security, and cultural cooperation.
• Key meetings in New Delhi will focus on economic partnerships and strategic cooperation. President Hlaing will also visit Bodh Gaya and Mumbai.
• Myanmar remains strategically important for India under the Neighborhood First, Act East, and MAHASAGAR policies.

United Nations Adds Israel to Conflict-Related Sexual Violence Watchlist

• The United Nations has added Israel to its annual list of parties linked to conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV), citing allegations involving abuse of Palestinian detainees and gender-based violence during the ongoing conflict.
• The blacklist aims to promote accountability, protect civilians, and monitor violations of international humanitarian law.
• Israel strongly rejected the allegations, with Ambassador Danny Danon accusing the UN of bias and announcing the suspension of engagement with the office of Antonio Guterres.
• The UN stated that its findings are based on documented evidence and verification processes.

Banking News

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code Completes 10 Years of Transforming India’s Financial Landscape

• India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), introduced in 2016, has completed a decade, significantly improving debt resolution, creditor rights, and financial discipline.
• It replaced lengthy insolvency processes with a time-bound, creditor-driven framework to revive stressed companies and maximize asset value.
• Over the years, it has strengthened India’s banking system by reducing NPAs, improving recovery rates, and encouraging responsible borrowing. As of March 2026, over 8,987 cases were admitted, with more than 7,100 closures and thousands of companies revived.
• The IBC is now seen as a major reform improving India’s credit culture and economic stability.

India Set to Test Plastic Currency Notes as RBI Revives Polymer Note Project

• The Reserve Bank of India is considering the introduction of polymer-based currency notes through a pilot project to improve the durability and efficiency of Indian banknotes.
• Compared to traditional paper notes, plastic notes last longer, resist moisture and damage, and reduce printing and replacement costs.
• The move comes as India’s cash circulation continues to rise despite growing digital payments like UPI.
• The RBI also aims to address the increasing disposal of soiled notes and rising printing expenses, while improving security features and overall currency management efficiency.

RBI Projects 6.9% GDP Growth for India in FY27 Despite Global Uncertainties

• The Reserve Bank of India has projected India’s real GDP growth at 6.9% for FY27, highlighting the country’s strong macroeconomic fundamentals despite global uncertainty and tensions in West Asia.
• The RBI stated that strong domestic demand, rising private investment, and continued government infrastructure spending will support economic growth.
• However, the central bank warned that geopolitical conflicts could increase crude oil prices, inflation, and supply chain disruptions.
• RBI also projected CPI inflation at 4.6% for FY27, while emphasizing that India remains one of the world’s fastest-growing major economies.

Awards News

UN to Honour Two Fallen Indian Peacekeepers on International Day of UN Peacekeepers

• The United Nations will posthumously honour Harbhajan Singh and Sujit Kumar Pradhan with the prestigious Dag Hammarskjold Medal for sacrificing their lives during UN peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Sudan.
• Meanwhile, Abhilasha Barak will receive the 2025 Military Gender Advocate Award for promoting gender inclusion and women’s participation in peacekeeping operations in Lebanon.
• India remains one of the largest contributors to global UN peacekeeping missions with over 4,200 personnel deployed worldwide.

Science & Technology News

Blue Origin’s New Glenn Rocket Explodes During Ground Test Ahead of Satellite Launch

• Blue Origin, founded by Jeff Bezos, suffered a major setback after its New Glenn rocket exploded during a routine engine firing test at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station.
• The incident occurred just days before a planned launch carrying Amazon internet satellites.
• No injuries were reported, but the explosion raised concerns about the future of the New Glenn program, NASA’s Artemis Moon missions, and Amazon’s satellite internet ambitions competing with SpaceX’s Starlink network.

Bellatrix Aerospace Partners with South Korea’s TelePIX for Advanced VLEO Satellite Mission

• Bellatrix Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s TelePIX to develop a Very Low Earth Orbit (VLEO) satellite mission, marking a major step in India–South Korea space cooperation.
• The partnership will combine TelePIX’s high-resolution optical payload “Chouette” with Bellatrix’s advanced satellite platform to enhance Earth observation capabilities.
• Operating in VLEO (180–450 km altitude) enables sharper imaging and faster data collection, though it requires advanced propulsion to counter atmospheric drag.
• The collaboration highlights the growing role of private space firms in next-generation satellite technology.

Sports News

India’s Esha Singh Wins Gold with World Record Score at ISSF World Cup Munich

• At just 21 years old, Esha Singh created history at the ISSF World Cup Munich by winning the women’s 25m pistol gold medal with a world-record score of 43 points.
• She broke the previous record of 42 set by Kim Yeji in 2024. Esha defeated top shooters, including Olympic champion Yang Jinn and former world champion Doreen Vennekamp.
• Her exceptional consistency, composure, and ability to perform under pressure marked a major achievement for Indian shooting on the global stage.

Obituaries News

Who Was Dhanendra Kumar? Former Competition Commission Chief Dies in Fire Accident

• Dhanendra Kumar, the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India, passed away at the age of 80 after a fire broke out at his residence in Hauz Khas.
• A retired IAS officer from the 1968 Haryana cadre, he played a major role in shaping India’s competition law framework. The fire was reportedly caused by an air-conditioner explosion.
• Kumar held several senior government positions and later became the founding chairman of the CCI in 2009, helping establish fair competition and protect consumer interests in India.