NATIONAL UPDATES:
1. ₹236 Crore “Mission Queen Pineapple” Launched in Tripura to Boost Production: The ₹236 crore “Mission Queen Pineapple, Tripura” was launched in New Delhi as a three-year transformative initiative to boost production, processing, and export of Tripura’s premium Queen Pineapple. Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Tripura CM Manik Saha, and Agriculture Minister Ratan Lal Nath jointly launched the mission. The project aims to address low farm-gate prices (₹6–₹10/kg) by promoting value addition and exports, where processed Queen Pineapple can fetch ₹80–₹150/kg. The fruit is known for its sweetness, aroma, and high nutritional value, rich in vitamins A, B, C and minerals like potassium and magnesium.
2. IBC Completes 10 Years: ₹4 Lakh Crore Recovery Marked as Landmark Reform in India’s Insolvency Framework: The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016, has completed 10 years, emerging as a major institutional reform that strengthened India’s credit markets, improved corporate discipline, and enhanced investor confidence by promoting timely debt resolution and repayment culture. As of March, the IBC framework has successfully resolved 1,419+ cases, enabling creditors to recover over ₹4 lakh crore, significantly improving credit discipline and overall economic efficiency in India’s financial system. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Act, 2026 aims to accelerate resolution timelines, strengthen creditor rights, and improve business confidence, thereby further boosting India’s investment climate and economic resilience.
3. 51st PRAGATI Meeting Chaired by PM Narendra Modi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi chaired the 51st meeting of PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation), an ICT-enabled platform that promotes coordination between Central and State Governments for project monitoring and grievance redressal. During the meeting, the Prime Minister reviewed seven major infrastructure projects in the Railways, Power, and Road sectors across nine states, involving a cumulative investment of nearly ₹30,000 crore. The meeting also reviewed the Ken-Betwa River Inter-linking Project and the implementation progress of Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0 to ensure timely execution and effective governance.
4. SEBI Approves Appointment of Two Executive Directors at Central Depository Services (India) Limited: The Securities and Exchange Board of India approved the appointment of Amit Mahajan and Nayana Ovalekar as Executive Directors on the board of Central Depository Services (India) Limited (CDSL). Amit Mahajan will head Vertical 1, responsible for Critical Operations, while Nayana Ovalekar will oversee Vertical 2, handling Regulatory, Compliance, Risk Management, and Investor Grievances.
5. Senior IAS Officer P. Jawahar Assumes Charge as Chairman of MPEDA: Senior IAS officer P. Jawahar has assumed charge as Chairman of Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA), the apex body responsible for promoting and regulating India’s marine products and seafood exports. Prior to this appointment, P. Jawahar served as Chief Electoral Officer and Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Puducherry, overseeing important departments including Industries & Commerce and Education.
6. 30 May – Goa Statehood Day: Goa Statehood Day is observed every year on 30 May to commemorate Goa becoming the 25th state of India on 30 May 1987, after being separated from the Union Territory of Goa, Daman and Diu. Goa was liberated from Portuguese rule on 19 December 1961 through Operation Vijay and remained a Union Territory before attaining full statehood.
7. 30 May – Hindi Journalism Day: Hindi Journalism Day is observed every year on 30 May to commemorate the publication of ‘Udant Martand’, the first Hindi newspaper, which was launched on 30 May 1826 in Kolkata. The newspaper ‘Udant Martand’ was founded and edited by Pandit Jugal Kishore Shukla, who is regarded as a pioneer of Hindi journalism in India.
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
1. LIC Launches Two New Joint Life Insurance Plans “New Jeevan Sathi” for Couples with Guaranteed Benefits: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) has launched two new joint life insurance plans—New Jeevan Sathi-Single Premium and New Jeevan Sathi-Limited Premium—for couples, offering a combination of savings and life protection with guaranteed benefits. Both plans are non-par and non-linked individual savings products designed for married couples, covering both spouses under a single policy with a minimum basic sum assured of ₹3 lakh. The New Jeevan Sathi-Single Premium requires a one-time payment with guaranteed yearly additions, while the Limited Premium plan allows premium payment for a fixed period with annual guaranteed additions and premium waiver on the first death.
2. Slovenia Parliament Elects Janez Janša as Prime Minister for a Fourth Term: Slovenia’s parliament has voted to appoint Janez Janša as Prime Minister, marking his fourth term in office and a return of right-wing leadership in the country. Country: Slovenia | Capital: Ljubljana | Currency: Euro (€).
3. 29 May – International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers: International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers is observed every year on 29 May to honour the dedication, service, and sacrifices of UN peacekeepers who work to maintain peace and security in conflict-affected regions worldwide. Theme 2026 – Invest in Peace The day commemorates the establishment of the first UN peacekeeping mission, the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation, launched on 29 May 1948 in the Middle East.
4. 30 May – International Day of the Potato: International Day of the Potato is observed annually on 30 May to recognise the potato’s contribution to food security, nutrition, livelihoods, and sustainable agricultural development worldwide. Theme 2026 – Where potatoes grow, livelihoods flourish The day was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to raise awareness about the importance of potatoes as one of the world’s most widely consumed and cultivated food crops.
5. 31 May – World No Tobacco Day (Anti-Tobacco Day): World No Tobacco Day is observed every year on 31 May to raise awareness about the harmful health effects of tobacco use and to encourage people to quit tobacco consumption. Theme 2026 – Unmasking the Appeal: Exposing Industry Tactics on Tobacco and Nicotine Products The day is led by the World Health Organisation and highlights the health, social, economic, and environmental consequences associated with tobacco and nicotine products.
6. Myanmar President Begins Official Visit to India: Myanmar President U Min Aung Hlaing began a five-day official visit to India on 30 May 2026. The visit runs from 30 May to 3 June 2026 and includes meetings in New Delhi, Bodh Gaya, and Mumbai. Min Aung Hlaing is scheduled to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 1 June 2026 in New Delhi. He is also expected to meet President Droupadi Murmu during the visit, and he will visit Bodh Gaya on 30 May 2026 and Mumbai on 2 June 2026 for business and industry interactions. India and Myanmar share a land border of about 1,643 kilometres across Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Mizoram. The two countries have cooperation in trade, connectivity, border management, and defence under the framework of India’s Act East Policy.
7. China Performs First Pig Liver and Kidney Transplant: Chinese clinicians at Xijing Hospital of the Chinese Air Force Medical University transplanted two gene-edited pig kidneys and one pig liver into a 53-year-old brain-dead patient on 29 May 2026. The procedure was the world’s first simultaneous multi-organ pig-to-human transplant and used organs with six edited genes to reduce immune rejection. Xenotransplantation is the transplantation of living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another. Pig organs are used in xenotransplantation research because pigs have organ sizes and physiological features that are closer to those of humans than many other mammals. Gene editing is used in xenotransplantation to modify donor animals and reduce rejection by the human immune system. In this case, six genes were edited in the pig organs to improve compatibility and to limit immune attack after transplantation.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
1. U.S.-Cuba Hold Rare Military Talks at Guantanamo Bay: United States and Cuban military officials held direct talks on 29 May 2026 at the perimeter of the United States Naval Station Guantanamo Bay in Cuba. The meeting involved General Francis Donovan, head of United States Southern Command, and Army Corps General Roberto Legra Sotolongo, First Deputy Minister of the Chief of the General Staff of Cuba. The discussions covered operational security matters linked to the base perimeter, force protection, safety of service members and their families, and operational readiness. Both the United States Southern Command and Cuba’s Ministry of the Revolutionary Armed Forces described the meeting as positive, and both sides agreed to maintain communication between the two military commands.
2. India Signs BrahMos Missile Deal with Vietnam: India has signed a deal to supply BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles to Vietnam, and negotiations with Indonesia are in the final stages as of 30 May 2026. The BrahMos agreement with Vietnam includes missile systems, training, and logistical support, with an estimated value of about Rs 60 billion, or around USD 629 million. BrahMos is a supersonic cruise missile jointly developed by India and Russia. It is named after the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers, which are associated with India and Russia respectively. The missile has land, sea, and air-launched variants, and the naval version can be deployed from warships for anti-ship missions.
3. Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan Takes Charge of Western Naval Command: Vice Admiral Sanjay Vatsayan assumed charge as the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Western Naval Command on 30 May 2026 in Mumbai. He succeeded Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan in the post. He had earlier served as the 47th Vice Chief of the Naval Staff and was commissioned into the Indian Navy on 1 January 1988. The Western Naval Command is one of the three operational commands of the Indian Navy. Its headquarters is in Mumbai, Maharashtra, and it is responsible for naval operations on India’s western seaboard and in the Arabian Sea. The command covers key sea lanes, ports, and maritime approaches along the western coast of India.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. India Semiconductor Mission Launches “Investors Support” Portal to Boost Semiconductor Investments in India: India Semiconductor Mission under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology launched the “Investors Support” portal to strengthen investor confidence in India’s semiconductor sector. Under the Semicon India Programme, the Government has so far approved 12 Fab/Packaging projects and 24 semiconductor design projects to build a resilient and sustainable semiconductor ecosystem. The portal provides investors with information related to government schemes, policies, approved projects, and regulatory requirements for semiconductor investments in India. The “Investors Support” portal also offers a secure single-window digital interface for grievance registration, coordination among stakeholders, and time-bound resolution of investor concerns.
2. Uttar Pradesh Introduces AI-Based Attendance System in Examinations: Uttar Pradesh has introduced AI-based and digitised systems for examination management in 2026. The measures include barcode-based attendance, real-time monitoring, biometric verification, digital evaluation, and AI-enabled CCTV surveillance at examination centres. Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Technical University, also known as AKTU, announced an AI-based system for seating plans and attendance marking for examinations on 30 May 2026. The pilot project is being implemented for MTech examinations at the Centre for Advanced Studies in Lucknow. The system covers 756 affiliated colleges in Uttar Pradesh. The AKTU model uses barcode admit cards, barcode scanning by invigilators, student photographs, scanning of the first page of answer booklets, and digital signatures on invigilators’ tablets. The process is monitored in real time from a central control room.
BANKING AND FINANCE
1. RBI Approves Three-Month Extension of Ketan Merchant as Interim CEO of Fino Payments Bank: Reserve Bank of India approved a three-month extension for Ketan Merchant as interim CEO of Fino Payments Bank, effective from May 27, 2026. Ketan Merchant was initially appointed interim CEO in March 2026 after former MD & CEO Rishi Gupta was arrested in a GST tax evasion case and later resigned through voluntary retirement on May 21, 2026.
2. Andhra Pradesh Unveils ₹22,000 Crore Green Energy Corridor: Andhra Pradesh announced a ₹22,000 crore Green Energy Corridor plan on 29 May 2026 for integrating 18 gigawatts of renewable energy into the state power grid. The plan is part of Green Energy Corridor Phase-III and includes solar power, pumped storage projects, transmission infrastructure, and pooling stations. Green Energy Corridor is a transmission network designed to evacuate electricity from renewable energy projects to the main grid. In this plan, 11 GW of solar power and about 7 GW from pumped storage projects are proposed for grid integration. The project includes 2,261 km of new transmission lines and five major pooling stations with a combined capacity of 9,500 MW. The proposed pooling stations are at Mudigubba, Talupula, Ramayapatnam, Porumamilla, and Koppaka.
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