Daily Current Affairs Digest | 29th April 2026

Daily Current Affairs Digest | 29th April 2026

 

1. RBI Launches Mission SAKSHAM for Urban Co-operative Banks

The Reserve Bank of India has introduced Mission SAKSHAM, a nationwide capacity-building initiative targeting Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs).

  • Focus Areas: Governance, risk management, compliance culture, and institutional resilience
  • Implementation: Training programmes, including e-learning modules
  • Stakeholders: Board members, management, and operational staff

Significance: Strengthens financial stability in the cooperative banking sector and enhances regulatory compliance.

2. UAE Exit from OPEC Signals Oil Market Volatility

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries faces internal strain as the United Arab Emirates exits effective May 1.

  • Weakens cartel cohesion
  • Reflects strategic divergence with Saudi Arabia
  • May ease production constraints

Impact: Could trigger volatility in global oil prices and reshape energy geopolitics.

3. Ecuador Foreign Minister Visits India

Gabriela Sommerfeld began a three-day visit to India, engaging with S. Jaishankar and other officials.

  • Diplomatic ties established in 1969
  • Ecuador: Resource-rich partner in Latin America

Significance: Enhances India’s engagement with Latin America and diversifies strategic partnerships.

4. Araku Old Seed Festival Promotes Indigenous Agriculture

The 17th Old Seed Festival in Araku Valley showcased:

  • Indigenous seed conservation
  • Tribal biodiversity and tuber varieties
  • Millets and natural farming
  • Cultural elements like Dhimsa dance

Importance: Strengthens climate-resilient agriculture, food security, and tribal livelihoods.

5. UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion Launched

Symbiosis Skills and Professional University has launched Asia’s first UNESCO Chair on Gender Inclusion and Skill Development.

  • Focus: Women’s employability, future skills, and research
  • Promotes inclusive workforce development

Relevance: Aligns with global goals of gender equality and skill-based economic growth.

6. India Updates Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)

Under the Paris Agreement, India submitted updated NDCs for 2031–35:

  • 60% non-fossil fuel energy capacity
  • 47% reduction in emissions intensity
  • Enhanced carbon sinks

Condition: Dependent on finance, technology transfer, and global support

Significance: Reinforces India’s climate leadership and commitment to sustainable development.

7. India Among Top Defence Spenders Globally

According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute:

  • India ranks 5th globally in defence spending (2025)
  • Total expenditure: $92.1 billion

Implications: Reflects ongoing military modernisation and regional security priorities amid rising global tensions.

8. DPI 2047 Roadmap: Vision for Digital Transformation

India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) roadmap outlines:

  • DPI 2.0 (2025–35): Sectoral transformation, AI democratisation, MSME & agriculture focus
  • DPI 3.0 (2035–47): Advanced digital ecosystem with decentralised governance

Key pillars include:

  • District-level demand creation
  • Tech entrepreneurship
  • Data unlocking
  • State-led implementation

Significance: Positions India as a global leader in scalable, inclusive digital infrastructure.