29 May 2026 Current Affairs (With PDF)

We bring you the most relevant and important news updates from around the world and India, specially curated for competitive exams and different entrance exams. Today's Current Affairs cover all significant national and international headlines, legal updates, economic news, and environmental highlights to boost your preparation. With our crisp, to-the-point coverage, you can confidently tackle current affairs questions in your exams.

 

Karnataka Leadership Change: Siddaramaiah Resigns, D.K. Shivakumar Set to Become Chief Minister

 Why in News?

Two-time Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has resigned from office, paving the way for Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar to become the next Chief Minister of Karnataka. The move is believed to be part of a power-sharing arrangement reached after the Congress victory in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections.

 Key Highlights

1.  Siddaramaiah Steps Down

• Siddaramaiah submitted his resignation to the Governor's office.
• Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot was away, so the resignation was handed over to the Special Secretary.
• The Congress leadership is expected to formally approve the leadership transition.

2. D.K. Shivakumar Likely to Take Charge

• Siddaramaiah publicly hinted that D.K. Shivakumar would succeed him.
• Shivakumar currently serves as:
  • Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka
  • Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) President

3. End of Long Political Speculation

For nearly a year, political discussions revolved around:

• A rotational Chief Minister arrangement
• Internal Congress factionalism
• Power-sharing between Siddaramaiah and Shivakumar

The transition is expected to:

•  Reduce factional tensions
• Ensure administrative continuity
• Strengthen party unity

4.  Role of Congress High Command

The leadership change reflects the importance of the Congress high command in state politics.

Important leaders involved:

• Sonia Gandhi
• Rahul Gandhi
• Congress Working Committee (CWC)

Siddaramaiah: Political Profile

Particular	Detail
Full Name	Siddaramaiah
State	Karnataka
Entered Politics	1978
Joined Congress	2006
Previous Party	Janata Dal (Secular)
Political Strategy	AHINDA Coalition

Major Political Achievements

(a) Chief Ministerial Tenure

First Term: 2013–2018

Second Term: 2023–2026

(b) Historic Record

On 7 January 2026, Siddaramaiah became the longest-serving Chief Minister of Karnataka, surpassing the record of D. Devaraj Urs.

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AHINDA: Important Exam Topic

What is AHINDA?

A political-social coalition developed by Siddaramaiah.

Full Form

A – Alpasankhyataru (Minorities)

HI – Hindulidavaru (Backward Classes/OBCs)

DA – Dalitaru (Dalits)

---

Objective

To unite:

• Other Backward Classes (OBCs)
• Dalits
• Religious Minorities

AHINDA has played a significant role in Karnataka's electoral politics.

Constitutional & Legal Provisions

(a) Article 164

Appointment of Chief Minister

• Governor appoints the Chief Minister.
• Other ministers are appointed on the advice of the Chief Minister.

(b) Article 163

Aid and Advice

Governor normally acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.

(c) Article 174

State Legislature

Governor has the power to:

• Summon the Legislature
• Prorogue the Legislature
• Dissolve the Legislative Assembly

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Static GK Takeaways

(a) Governor of Karnataka

Thaawarchand Gehlot

• Current Governor of Karnataka
• Former Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment

(b) Karnataka Legislative Assembly

Feature	Detail
Total Seats	224
Majority Mark	113
Capital	Bengaluru
High Court	Karnataka High Court

---

Important Constitutional Offices

Chief Minister

The real executive head of the State Government.

Functions:

• Heads the Council of Ministers
• Advises the Governor
• Coordinates administration
• Leads policy implementation

Governor

The constitutional head of the State.

Functions:

• Appoints Chief Minister
• Summons Legislature
• Assents to Bills
• Preserves constitutional governance

Exam-Oriented Keywords

• Power-Sharing Agreement
• AHINDA
• Article 164
• Congress High Command
• Chief Minister
• Governor
• State Executive
• Karnataka Politics
• Legislative Majority
• Council of Ministers

---

Why This Development Matters?

Political Significance

• Smooth transfer of power
• Demonstrates internal party management
• Highlights importance of power-sharing arrangements

Governance Significance

• Administrative continuity
• Stability of the ruling government
• Reduced factional conflict

 Critical Analysis

The Karnataka transition showcases an important aspect of Indian politics: the balance between democratic mandates and internal party arrangements. While power-sharing agreements can help maintain unity within political parties, they also raise questions about leadership accountability and voter expectations. The transition is likely to be viewed as a test of Congress's ability to manage factional politics while maintaining governance stability.

One-Line Exam Takeaway

The resignation of Siddaramaiah and the likely elevation of D.K. Shivakumar highlight the role of Article 164, party high-command culture, power-sharing arrangements, and the AHINDA social coalition in contemporary Karnataka politics. ????

 

PKN COMMAND: U.S.–Iran Ceasefire Extension Talks & Nuclear Negotiations

Why in News?

Negotiators from the United States and Iran have reportedly reached a tentative agreement to:

• Extend the existing ceasefire by 60 days
• Begin negotiations on Iran's nuclear programme
• Reduce tensions in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz

However, the agreement is yet to receive final approval from U.S. President Donald Trump, and Iran has not officially confirmed the deal.

Key Highlights

1.  Proposed 60-Day Ceasefire Extension

• The ceasefire was originally established after three months of conflict.
• Negotiators are seeking a further 60-day extension.
• The extension aims to create space for diplomatic engagement and prevent renewed military escalation.

2.  Nuclear Programme Discussions

One of the primary issues to be negotiated is:

Iran's Highly Enriched Uranium Stockpile

Concerns include:

• Iran possesses highly enriched uranium.
• The stockpile is reportedly located near nuclear facilities damaged during previous U.S. airstrikes.
• The future status of this uranium remains a major point of contention.

Why Important?

Highly enriched uranium can potentially be used:

• For civilian nuclear energy (under safeguards)
• For nuclear weapons development if enriched beyond permissible levels

3.  Strait of Hormuz: Central Issue

According to the proposed understanding:

(a) Iran May Agree To:

Remove naval mines within 30 days

Refrain from imposing tolls or restrictions on shipping

(b) United States May Agree To:

Gradually ease naval restrictions

Relax certain sanctions

Permit increased Iranian oil exports

Strait of Hormuz: Strategic Importance

1. Location

Situated between:

• Iran
• Oman

Connecting:

• Persian Gulf
• Gulf of Oman
• Arabian Sea

Why is it Important?

Approximately:

1. 20% of Global Oil Trade

passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

It is considered one of the world's most important:

2. Chokepoints

for global energy security.

Recent Military Escalation

Despite negotiations:

1. Kuwait Reported

• Interception of missiles launched from Iran.

2. Iran Claimed

• Retaliatory action against a U.S. military base in the Gulf region.

3. United States Claimed

• It shot down four Iranian drones.
• Struck a drone-control facility in Bandar Abbas.

These incidents demonstrate the fragile nature of the ceasefire.

---

Important Places in News

1. Bandar Abbas

Location

Southern Iran

Importance

• Iran's largest commercial port
• Strategic naval base
• Key access point to the Strait of Hormuz

2. Kuwait

(a) Capital: Kuwait City

(b) Currency: Kuwaiti Dinar (KWD)

(c) Importance

• Major Gulf state
• Strategic U.S. military presence

Static GK Takeaways

1. Iran Nuclear Programme

2. Supervising Agency

International Atomic Energy Agency

3. Headquarters

Vienna

4. Functions

• Nuclear inspections
• Safeguards monitoring
• Promotion of peaceful nuclear energy

---

JCPOA

1. Full Form

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action

2. Signed

2015

3. Parties

• Iran
• United States
• United Kingdom
• France
• Germany
• Russia
• China
• European Union

4. Objective

Limit Iran's nuclear activities in exchange for sanctions relief.

---

International Organisations Involved

1. United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

2. Permanent Members (P5)

• United States
• United Kingdom
• France
• Russia
• China

---

IAEA

Responsible for:

• Monitoring nuclear compliance
• Verification of uranium enrichment activities

---

Exam-Oriented Keywords

• Strait of Hormuz
• Ceasefire Diplomacy
• Nuclear Non-Proliferation
• Enriched Uranium
• JCPOA
• IAEA
• Bandar Abbas
• Economic Sanctions
• Maritime Chokepoints
• Gulf Security

---

Geopolitical Significance

1. Why the Strait of Hormuz Matters

Any disruption can lead to:

• Higher crude oil prices
• Global inflation
• Supply chain disruptions
• Energy insecurity

Countries heavily dependent on Gulf oil, including India, are directly affected.

2. Impact on India

India imports a significant share of its crude oil from:

• Iraq
• Saudi Arabia
• UAE
• Kuwait

3. Therefore:

• Stability in the Gulf region is crucial.
• Disruptions in Hormuz can increase India's import bill and inflation.

---

Important Facts for Exams

Feature	Fact
Ceasefire Extension Proposed	60 Days
Key Waterway	Strait of Hormuz
Global Oil Passing Through Hormuz	~20%
Nuclear Watchdog	IAEA
Major Iranian Port	Bandar Abbas
Nuclear Deal	JCPOA (2015)

---

Critical Analysis

1. Potential Benefits

• Reduced military escalation
• Revival of diplomatic engagement
• Stability in global oil markets
• Reduced sanctions pressure on Iran

Challenges

• Deep mistrust between the U.S. and Iran
• Disagreement over uranium stockpiles
• Ongoing military incidents
• Regional tensions involving Gulf states

---

One-Line Exam Takeaway

The proposed U.S.–Iran 60-day ceasefire extension links nuclear negotiations, sanctions relief, and security of the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the intersection of global energy security, nuclear non-proliferation, and West Asian geopolitics.

 

PKN COMMAND: Chandrayaan-2 Detects Possible Sub-Surface Ice Near Lunar South Pole

 Why in News?

Scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) have discovered evidence suggesting the possible presence of sub-surface water ice beneath craters in the Moon's South Polar Region using data collected by Chandrayaan-2's Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar (DFSAR).

The discovery comes nearly six years after Chandrayaan-2 was launched, highlighting the continued scientific value of the mission.

---

 Key Highlights

1. Major Discovery Scientists have identified radar signatures indicating:

• Possible sub-surface water ice
• Presence beneath crater floors
• Located in the Lunar South Polar Region

This is one of the strongest indications yet of buried water ice in the region.

2. What are Doubly Shadowed Craters?

 

The study focused on:

Doubly Shadowed Craters

These are craters:

• Located inside Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs)
• Shielded from direct sunlight
• Protected from thermal radiation

As a result, they remain extremely cold for billions of years.

3. Why Are These Craters Important?

Temperature in such regions can fall below:

~25 Kelvin (-248°C)

These conditions allow:

•  Long-term preservation of water ice
•  Storage of volatile compounds
• Protection from solar heating

4.  Most Significant Crater Identified

Scientists found particularly strong evidence in:

A 1.1 km Crater Inside Faustini Crater

Evidence was based on:

• Radar observations
• Unique crater morphology
• Lobate-rim characteristics

This crater emerged as the strongest candidate for containing sub-surface ice.

5. Technology Used

DFSAR

Dual Frequency Synthetic Aperture Radar

Mounted onboard: Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter

Purpose:

• Mapping lunar surface properties
• Detecting ice deposits
• Studying lunar geology

---

Chandrayaan-2 Mission

1. Launch Date : 22 July 2019

2. Launch Vehicle: LVM3-M1 (formerly GSLV Mk III)

3. Mission Components

Orbiter

Operational

Vikram Lander

 Hard landing

Pragyan Rover

 Could not operate after lander failure

Mission Objectives

• Study lunar surface composition
• Detect water molecules
• Investigate lunar exosphere
• Map lunar topography
• Search for water ice

---

Chandrayaan Programme

1. Chandrayaan-1 (2008)

Historic Achievement

First mission to discover evidence of:

Water Molecules on the Moon

Instrument involved:

Moon Mineralogy Mapper (M3)

Developed by NASA

2. Chandrayaan-2 (2019)

Focused on:

• Lunar South Pole
• Surface composition
• Ice detection

3. Chandrayaan-3 (2023)

Historic Achievement

India became the: First Country to Soft-Land Near the Lunar South Pole and Fourth Country to Achieve a Soft Lunar Landing

after:

• Soviet Union
• United States
• China

 Institutions in News

1. ISRO

Full Form: Indian Space Research Organisation

2. Established

1969

3. Founder

Dr. Vikram Sarabhai

4. Headquarters

Bengaluru

PRL

1. Full Form

Physical Research Laboratory

2. Headquarters

Ahmedabad

3. Known As

"The Cradle of Space Sciences in India"

Static GK Takeaways

Lunar South Pole

Why Important?

• Contains Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs)
• Potential water ice reserves
• Valuable for future human settlements

Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs)

Areas that:

• Never receive direct sunlight
• Remain extremely cold
• Preserve water ice for geological timescales

Kelvin Scale

(a) Absolute Zero

0 K = −273.15°C

(b) Temperature Mentioned

25 K ≈ −248°C

One of the coldest naturally occurring environments in the Solar System.

Why is Lunar Ice Important?

(a) Scientific Importance

• Understanding lunar evolution
• Studying Solar System history

(b) Future Space Exploration

Water ice can provide:

• Drinking water
• Oxygen production
• Hydrogen fuel
• Long-term astronaut support

This makes lunar ice a critical resource for future Moon bases.

Artemis Programme Connection

1. Artemis Programme

2. Led by:

NASA

3. Objective:

• Return humans to the Moon
• Establish long-term lunar presence
• Explore South Polar regions

Discovery of water ice strengthens the strategic importance of lunar polar exploration.

 Exam-Oriented Keywords

• Chandrayaan-2
• DFSAR
• Lunar South Pole
• Permanently Shadowed Regions (PSRs)
• Faustini Crater
• Water Ice
• Lunar Exploration
• Chandrayaan-3
• ISRO
• PRL

---

Important Facts for Exams

Feature	Fact
Chandrayaan-2 Launch	22 July 2019
Key Instrument	DFSAR
Region Studied	Lunar South Pole
Significant Crater	Faustini Crater
Temperature in PSRs	~25 K
ISRO Established	1969
PRL Headquarters	Ahmedabad

---

 Critical Analysis

1. Significance of Discovery

•  Strengthens evidence of lunar water resources
• Supports future lunar bases
• Enhances scientific understanding of the Moon
•  Demonstrates long-term utility of Chandrayaan-2 orbiter

2. Future Implications

• Resource utilisation on the Moon
• Human lunar missions
• International lunar cooperation
• Deep-space exploration strategies

 One-Line Exam Takeaway

Using Chandrayaan-2's DFSAR instrument, Indian scientists have found strong evidence of possible sub-surface water ice in permanently shadowed craters near the Moon's South Pole, a discovery that could play a crucial role in future lunar exploration and human settlement missions. 

 

India's Quantum-Safe Future: Transition to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

Why in News?

The Department of Science and Technology (DST) Task Force has recommended that India start migrating its digital infrastructure to Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC) to protect critical systems from future quantum-computing-based cyber threats. The report highlights the possibility that quantum computers may eventually break current encryption systems used across banking, defence, governance, and communications.

---

Key Highlights

1.  Why is Current Encryption at Risk?

Modern internet security largely relies on:

Public-Key Cryptography

Used in:

• Internet banking
• Digital signatures
• HTTPS websites
• Government databases
• Telecom networks

Its security depends on mathematical problems that classical computers cannot efficiently solve.

2. Quantum Computers Could Change Everything

A sufficiently powerful quantum computer could use:

Shor's Algorithm

to break many existing public-key cryptographic systems.

Potentially vulnerable systems:

• RSA
• Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)
• Digital Certificates
• Secure Authentication Protocols

3.  What is Q-Day?

Q-Day

The hypothetical point at which quantum computers become powerful enough to break widely used public-key encryption systems.

The DST report suggests:

Possible Timeline: Around 2029

However, many experts believe practical quantum threats may emerge later.

4.  "Harvest Now, Decrypt Later" Threat

(a) One of the most immediate concerns is:

Harvest Now, Decrypt Later (HNDL)

(b) Process:

1. Adversaries steal encrypted data today.
2. Store it for years.
3. Use future quantum computers to decrypt it.

(c) Potential targets:

• Defence communications
• Financial transactions
• Government records
• Healthcare data
• Strategic intelligence

---

 What is Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)?

1. Definition

Post-Quantum Cryptography refers to cryptographic algorithms designed to:

• Run on existing computers
• Resist attacks from future quantum computers

Unlike quantum computing itself, PQC does not require quantum hardware.

2. DST Recommendation

The Task Force recommends adopting:

Three International PQC Standards

finalised in 2024, and beginning a phased migration across sectors.

3. Critical Sectors That Need Priority Protection

Defence

• Military networks
• Strategic communications
• Intelligence systems

Financial Infrastructure

• Banks
• Digital payment systems
• Stock exchanges

Energy Sector

• Power grids
• Smart infrastructure

Government Platforms

• Aadhaar-linked systems
• Citizen databases
• E-governance portals

---

 What is Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)?

1. Definition

A secure communication technology that uses quantum mechanics to exchange encryption keys.

2. Major Advantage

Any attempt to intercept the communication can be detected immediately.

3. Challenges of QKD

• Expensive deployment
• Specialised fibre infrastructure
•  Limited interoperability
• Shortage of trained experts

The report suggests using QKD only in highly sensitive environments.

 Institutions in News

1. Department of Science and Technology (DST)

2. Ministry

Ministry of Science & Technology

3. Functions

• Research funding
• Scientific innovation
• Emerging technology development

National Quantum Mission (NQM)

1. Approved

2023

2. Budget

₹6,003.65 crore

3. Duration

2023–2031

4. Focus Areas

• Quantum Computing
• Quantum Communication
• Quantum Sensing
• Quantum Materials

Static GK Takeaways

1. Quantum Computing

Classical computers use:

2. Bits

(0 or 1)

Quantum computers use:

3. Qubits

which can simultaneously represent multiple states.

Superposition

A fundamental property allowing qubits to exist in multiple states at once.

Quantum Entanglement

A phenomenon where particles remain connected regardless of distance.

Applications:

• Quantum Communication
• Quantum Cryptography
• Quantum Networking

Global Developments

1. United States

2. NIST (National Institute of Standards and Technology)

Finalised several global PQC standards in 2024.

These standards are becoming the benchmark for quantum-safe migration worldwide.

3. China

Investing heavily in:

• Quantum satellites
• Quantum communication networks
• Quantum encryption systems

4. European Union

Developing:

• Quantum internet projects
• Secure quantum communication infrastructure

 Important Technical Terms

1. RSA Encryption

One of the most widely used public-key encryption systems.

Most vulnerable to:

2. Shor's Algorithm

 

AES (Advanced Encryption Standard)

A symmetric encryption method.

Less vulnerable than RSA but still requires strengthening against future quantum attacks.

3. HTTPS

HyperText Transfer Protocol Secure

Secures communication between users and websites.

Relies heavily on public-key cryptography.

Important Facts for Exams

Feature	Fact
Proposed Q-Day	Around 2029
Recommended Security Upgrade	Post-Quantum Cryptography
Advanced Security Layer	Quantum Key Distribution
National Mission	National Quantum Mission
Mission Budget	₹6,003.65 crore
Global PQC Standards Finalised	2024
Major Threat Algorithm	Shor's Algorithm

Significance for India

1. Security Significance

• Protection of military communications
• Protection of strategic databases
• Cybersecurity preparedness

2. Economic Significance

• Protection of banking systems
•  Secure fintech ecosystem
• Digital economy resilience

3. Strategic Significance

Quantum technologies are becoming a strategic domain alongside:

• Artificial Intelligence
• Semiconductors
• Space Technology
• Cyber Warfare

---

Critical Analysis

Opportunities

• Stronger cybersecurity
•  Indigenous quantum ecosystem
•  Global technological competitiveness
• Better protection of critical infrastructure

Challenges

•  ₹5,000+ crore additional investment requirement
•  Legacy infrastructure migration
•  Vendor dependence
• Lack of skilled quantum engineers
•  Balancing security and operational efficiency

 Exam-Oriented Keywords

• Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)
• Quantum Key Distribution (QKD)
• Q-Day
• Shor's Algorithm
• Quantum Computing
• National Quantum Mission
• Qubits
• Superposition
• Quantum Entanglement
• Cybersecurity

 One-Line Exam Takeaway

India is preparing for a quantum-secure future by adopting Post-Quantum Cryptography and selectively deploying Quantum Key Distribution to protect critical infrastructure, financial systems, defence networks, and digital governance platforms from future quantum-computing threats. 

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