Daily Current Affairs – 31-05-2026

States’ News

Karnataka Chief Minister Change

D.K. Shivakumar was unanimously elected as the leader of the Congress Legislature Party at a meeting of Congress MLAs held in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Following his election, he met Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot and submitted a letter staking claim to form the government. D.K. Shivakumar is scheduled to take oath as the Chief Minister of Karnataka on June 3. The meeting was attended by senior Congress leaders including Siddaramaiah, D.K. Shivakumar, G. Parameshwara, and Priyank Kharge. The swearing-in ceremony will be attended by Mallikarjun Kharge, President of the Indian National Congress, Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Priyanka Gandhi. Following the leadership change, discussions have begun regarding the formation of the new Karnataka Council of Ministers.

10 Lakh Ton Green Ammonia Plant Planned at Thoothukudi V.O.C. Port

At Thoothukudi V.O. Chidambaranar (V.O.C.) Port, an agreement was signed for establishing a green ammonia production plant with an annual capacity of 10 lakh tonnes, in the presence of Santosh Kumar Sarangi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. He also reviewed the progress of environmental safety projects being implemented at the port. Following this, two Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to enhance the port’s environmental management to international standards. The agreements include initiatives on green certification procedures, carbon emission accounting, environmental sustainability reporting, safety assessment, and setting up a dedicated centre for green fuels. The MoUs also cover the establishment of the green ammonia production facility. The agreements were exchanged by Susanth Kumar Purohit, Chairman of V.O.C. Port Authority, Sadanak Agarwal, Vice President (Business Development), AM Green Ammonia, and N. Krishna Babu, Regional Manager, Bureau Veritas.

International News

Myanmar President’s Visit to India

Myanmar President Min Aung Hlaing arrived in India on a 5-day official state visit on May 30. He is scheduled to hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on June 1. Min Aung Hlaing, a former military commander, was elected President following the general elections held in December–January and assumed office in April. During his visit, he offered prayers at the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, Bihar, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. India and Myanmar are expected to discuss border security, connectivity, trade, and defence cooperation. In 2021, Myanmar’s military overthrew the democratic government led by Aung San Suu Kyi, leading to an ongoing civil war. The military-backed Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) won the recent elections, after which Min Aung Hlaing was elected President through a parliamentary vote. Myanmar is strategically important to India under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) initiative, Neighbourhood First Policy, and Act East Policy. India and Myanmar share a 1,640-km international border, and Myanmar borders the Indian states of Nagaland and Manipur.

Duty Exemption for Cotton Imports

The Government of India has granted exemption from all import duties on cotton imports until October 30. According to a notification issued by the Union Finance Ministry on May 30, the exemption will come into effect from June 1. The measure is aimed at increasing cotton availability in the Indian textile sector and reducing input costs for the textile and ready-made garment industries. The exemption is expected to benefit manufacturers, consumers, and domestic cotton farmers, while also supporting the operations of small and medium textile enterprises (SMEs) and ensuring adequate cotton stocks in the market.

Pragati Joint Military Exercise

The 13-nation joint military exercise "Pragati" concluded at Umroi, Meghalaya on May 30. More than 400 military personnel, including over 200 women personnel, participated in the exercise. The participating countries were India, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Philippines, Seychelles, and Sri Lanka. The exercise focused on counter-insurgency operations in mountainous and forest regions, as well as training in helicopter-based surveillance and rescue operations and explosive detection and disposal. Discussions were also held on military strategies, technology, and operational procedures. Major General C.S. Mann, Additional Director of the Indian Army Design Bureau, stated that under the Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative, efforts are being made to increase the indigenous production of equipment for the Indian Army, Indian Air Force, and Indian Navy, along with the export of defence equipment.

Blue Origin Rocket Explosion Damages Launchpad; NASA Artemis Missions May Be Delayed

A rocket belonging to Blue Origin, owned by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, exploded during a recent engine test in New York, causing severe damage to its launchpad. The rocket involved was the New Glenn launch vehicle, which was scheduled for a space launch next week. Following the explosion, engineers estimated that repair and reconstruction of the launchpad could take at least six months. The incident has affected Amazon’s satellite internet project (LEO network), which planned to deploy 3,200 satellites, with half scheduled for launch using the New Glenn rocket. The failure has also raised concerns over potential delays in NASA’s Artemis lunar programme, including missions planned for lunar rovers and human lander deployment under future Artemis missions. The U.S. Space Force and the National Reconnaissance Office have continued their support for Blue Origin contracts despite the incident. NASA has stated that it is assessing the impact of the accident on its Artemis mission schedule.

Nepal Presents ₹2.12 Lakh Crore Budget for 2026–27

The Government of Nepal has presented a budget of 2.12 lakh crore Nepalese Rupees (₹1.32 lakh crore in Indian currency) for the 2026–27 financial year in Kathmandu. This is the first budget after the formation of the new government led by Prime Minister Balendra Shah, following the victory of the Rashtriya Swatantra Party with a majority in the parliamentary elections held in March. The budget was presented by Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle, who stated that priority has been given to financial reforms, agricultural development, and foreign investment attraction. The budget also focuses on transforming Nepal into a knowledge-based economy over the next 10 years, with emphasis on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and start-up development. Nepal’s economy is projected to grow at 3.85% in the current fiscal year despite global economic challenges.

Goldman Sachs Predicts Spain as Top Contender for 2026 FIFA World Cup

According to a statistical model developed by Goldman Sachs Group Inc. economists, based on nearly 20,000 international football matches since 1978, Spain is projected as the leading contender to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with a probability of 26%. The model uses Elo ratings, historical match data, team rankings, scoring ability, and geographic factors to estimate outcomes. France follows with a 19% chance, while Argentina has a 14% probability of retaining the title and becoming the first team since Brazil in 1962 to win back-to-back World Cups. Brazil holds an 8% chance, and England and the Netherlands have about 5% each. The projected semi-finals include Spain vs France and Argentina vs Brazil, with a predicted final between Spain and Argentina in New York on July 19, where Spain is forecast to win. The model highlights Spain’s strong Elo rating, ahead of Argentina and France, and notes that defending champions often underperform in subsequent tournaments. It also factors in team performance trends and scoring strength, while excluding certain variables such as player health conditions.

WHO Chief Visits Ebola Outbreak Epicentre in DR Congo

The Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO), Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, visited Bunia in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), the epicentre of a rare Ebola outbreak. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, which currently has no approved treatment or vaccine. The WHO reported 906 suspected cases and 223 suspected deaths, while neighbouring Uganda confirmed 9 cases and 1 death. Despite improved health facilities and arrival of aid, the virus continues to spread faster than response measures. The WHO Director-General is scheduled to visit a treatment centre and meet local authorities, health workers, and affected families. DR Congo has experienced multiple previous Ebola outbreaks, and ongoing response efforts are being carried out to control the current spread.

National News

Mandatory Dope Test for Government Recruits

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has directed all government departments to make dope tests mandatory for candidates selected for government service before appointment. The order was issued following a review meeting with departmental secretaries in Shimla. The state government had earlier issued an order on May 11 to take action against 123 government officials involved in drug use and drug trafficking. Subsequently, 31 personnel, including 21 police personnel, were dismissed from service. The Chief Minister also reviewed labour welfare measures and directed the timely disbursement of pending pensions.

DigiYatra Expansion to More Airports

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has announced that the DigiYatra application will be expanded to 27 additional airports by 2027. The application has been downloaded by more than 2.4 crore users and has facilitated over 10 crore seamless journeys. DigiYatra uses facial recognition technology for passenger identity verification, eliminating the need for manual verification of travel documents. The system has reduced airport terminal entry verification time from 15 seconds to 5 seconds. At present, DigiYatra is operational at 38 airports across India. The application currently provides services in 11 languages, and the target is to extend services to 11 more languages within the current year.

Sports News

Vinesh Phogat Misses Asian Games Berth

Vinesh Phogat, one of India's leading wrestlers and a World Championship medalist, was defeated in the semi-final of the Asian Games selection trials held for participation in the upcoming event in Japan. Vinesh was disqualified from the women's 50 kg category final at the 2024 Paris Olympics due to exceeding the prescribed weight limit. Following a Delhi High Court order, she was allowed to participate in the selection trials after initially facing restrictions from the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI). Although she was first permitted only in the 50 kg category, she was later allowed to compete in the 53 kg category. Vinesh defeated Jyoti of Haryana by 7-1 in the opening round but lost to Asian bronze medalist Meenakshi by 6-4 in the semi-final, thereby missing qualification for the Asian Games.

India Wins 10 Medals at U-17 Asian Wrestling Championship

At the Asian U-17 Women's Wrestling Championship held in Suwon, Vietnam, India won a total of 10 medals, including 2 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze medals. Deeksha won the gold medal in the 43 kg category by defeating Asangyera of Kyrgyzstan with a score of 6-0, while Garima secured the gold medal in the 73 kg category by defeating Batold of Mongolia with a score of 18-6. Nikita in the 49 kg category and Anstra in the 65 kg category won silver medals. Sakshi (57 kg), Palak (40 kg), Anamika (46 kg), Akshara (53 kg), and Manya (61 kg) won bronze medals for India.

Satwik-Chirag Enter Singapore Open Final

At the Singapore Open Super 750 badminton tournament held in Singapore, India’s men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty defeated the world champion Korean pair Kim Won-ho and Seo Seung-jae in the semi-final to qualify for the final. The Indian pair, ranked fourth, won the match by 21-19, 21-18 in 52 minutes. They had earlier finished as runners-up in the Thailand Open. In the semi-final, the Indian duo recovered from early deficits in both games to secure victory and advance to the final. In the mixed doubles semi-final, the Indian pair Tanisha Crasto and Dhruv Kapila lost to the Japanese pair Yiuichi and Sayaka by 16-21, 21-17, 13-21 and were eliminated from the tournament.

Meghalaya Signs Host State Agreement for 39th National Games 2027

Meghalaya signed the Host State Agreement for the 39th National Games (Meghalaya 2027) and inaugurated an integrated multipurpose indoor hall at the J.N. Sports Complex, Shillong. The events marked significant developments in the state’s sports infrastructure and preparations for hosting the National Games. The indoor hall was inaugurated by Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports, and Conrad K. Sangma, Chief Minister of Meghalaya. The developments form part of Meghalaya’s preparations to host the 39th National Games in 2027.

PSG Retains UEFA Champions League Title After Penalty Shootout Win Over Arsenal

Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) retained the UEFA Champions League title by defeating Arsenal in the final held at the Puskas Arena, Budapest, after a 1-1 draw in regular and extra time and a 4-3 win in the penalty shootout. Arsenal took the lead in the 6th minute through Kai Havertz, while PSG equalised in the 65th minute through a penalty scored by Ousmane Dembele after a foul on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia by Cristhian Mosquera. In the penalty shootout, Arsenal players Eze and Gabriel missed their spot-kicks, with Gabriel missing over the crossbar, giving PSG victory. The win marked PSG as the second club after Real Madrid to win consecutive Champions League titles in the modern era.

Economy News

Bank Frauds Worth ₹48,021 Crore Reported in FY 2025–26

In the fiscal year 2025–26, a total of 10,114 bank fraud cases involving an amount of ₹48,021 crore were reported across banks and financial institutions in India, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) annual report released in Mumbai. Compared to the previous year 2024–25, the number of fraud cases declined from 23,722, while the total fraud amount increased from ₹32,803 crore. In public sector banks, fraud cases stood at 5,418, with the fraud value rising to ₹35,709 crore from ₹23,617 crore in the previous year. In private sector banks, cases declined from 14,024 to 3,956, while the fraud amount increased from ₹8,927 crore to ₹11,399 crore. In foreign banks, 210 cases worth ₹290 crore were reported, in small finance banks 467 cases worth ₹114 crore, and in payment banks 47 cases worth ₹11 crore. The RBI reported that the highest fraud amount in the year was in the loan disbursement sector, accounting for 8,640 cases worth ₹40,774 crore, while digital and card-based frauds declined to 293 cases worth ₹29 crore. The RBI also operationalised a Cyber Range infrastructure at the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) to strengthen cyber security, along with plans to review cyber risk intelligence systems and stricter KYC monitoring mechanisms in the current fiscal year.

Tamil Nadu News

Special Permanent Pictorial Cancellation Released for Tiruchendur Temple

On the occasion of Vaikasi Visakam, a Special Permanent Pictorial Cancellation (PPC) was released for the Tiruchendur Subramanya Swamy Temple by India Post at Tiruchendur, Tamil Nadu. The Permanent Pictorial Cancellation is issued to recognise places of cultural, historical and tourism importance. Earlier, the PPC was issued for the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy Temple, the third among the Arupadaiveedu (six abodes of Lord Murugan), by the Tamil Nadu Postal Circle in 1978. The PPC for the remaining five Arupadaiveedu temples was released on the same occasion. At the event held at the Tiruchendur Head Post Office, the special cancellation was released by S. Sureshkumar, Senior Superintendent of Post Offices, Thoothukudi Division. The event was attended by postal officials including Shanmuga Priya, Postal Sub-Division Inspector, Tiruchendur, and M. R.D. Ravimohan, Head Post Office Officer.

Chennai Airport Passenger Traffic Decline

In 2026, Chennai International Airport slipped to the sixth position among India’s busiest airports in total passenger traffic, with 17.29 lakh passengers in April 2026, falling behind Kolkata Airport which recorded 17.64 lakh passengers, while Bengaluru Airport emerged as the third busiest airport in India with 36.85 lakh passengers, surpassing Mumbai in domestic traffic. The top positions in overall passenger traffic were held by Delhi Airport and Mumbai Airport. The Airports Authority of India (AAI) reported that passenger traffic is expected to rise after completion of the new integrated terminal building and airside works, while delays in the T3 international terminal, plaza opening, and maintenance issues were identified as operational constraints. The proposed Parandur second airport project for Chennai was highlighted as a major infrastructure initiative expected to improve connectivity and support future growth.

Reports and Indices

NFHS-6 Reports Rise in Obesity, Diabetes and C-Section Deliveries in India

The National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) released by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in 2023–24, conducted with the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, covering around 6.79 lakh households across 715 districts, has recorded a rise in obesity, diabetes, and Caesarean (C-section) births in India. The survey shows that overweight/obesity among women aged 15–49 years increased from 24% (NFHS-5) to 30.7% (NFHS-6), and among men from 22.9% to 27.3%. Diabetes prevalence among women increased from 13.5% to 17.8%, and among men from 15.6% to 20.9%. The southern states of Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu recorded high levels of overweight and obesity, along with increased diabetes prevalence. The national share of C-section deliveries increased from 21.5% to 27.2%, with highest state-level rates in Telangana (62.2%), Andhra Pradesh (52.2%), and Tamil Nadu (46.9%). C-section rates were higher in private hospitals (54.1%) compared to government hospitals (16.9%), and higher in urban areas (40.5%) than rural areas (22.8%).

Environment News

New Species of Cascade Frog Discovered in Nagaland by ZSI

A new species of cascade-dwelling frog named Amolops kamal, commonly called the Nagaland cascade frog, has been discovered in Nagaland by a six-member team of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) during a field survey in August 2024 in the Kiphire district near the Myanmar border, around Singrep village hill-stream habitats. The species was named after Kamal Choudhury, former teacher of the lead author at B. Borooah College, Guwahati. The research study was authored by Bhaskar Saikia, Bikramjit Sinha, A. Shabnam, Prabir Narayan Konwar, Mridul Kumar Borthakur, and K.P. Dinesh and published in the journal Records of the Zoological Survey of India. Integrative taxonomic analysis including molecular phylogenetic studies confirmed that the species belongs to a distinct evolutionary lineage within the Amolops indoburmanensis species complex. The genus Amolops comprises about 90 recognised species globally, with 20 species reported from India, grouped into major species groups including Amolops marmoratus, Amolops monticola, and Amolops viridimaculatus. The discovery highlights the rich amphibian biodiversity of Northeast India, especially in hill-stream ecosystems.

Important Days

World No Tobacco Day is observed annually on May 31 under the initiative of the World Health Organization (WHO) to raise awareness about the harmful effects of tobacco use and to promote public health measures against tobacco consumption. The observance highlights the global health burden caused by tobacco-related diseases and supports efforts for tobacco control policies. The theme for World No Tobacco Day 2026 is focused on strengthening awareness and action against tobacco use, as announced by the WHO for global awareness campaigns.