Kerala PSC Current Affairs — 29 April 2026

Today’s current affairs digest covers significant developments across Kerala, national, and international fronts, ranging from political outcomes to economic agreements and environmental updates. Aspirants will find a mix of policy decisions, infrastructure milestones, and key global events relevant for their upcoming examinations.

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Kerala News

1. Heavy Rains Bring Relief to Kerala, IMD Issues Yellow Alert

• Heavy rains lashed several parts of Kerala on April 29, 2026, providing much-needed relief from a prolonged heatwave that had gripped the state.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicted continued precipitation and issued a yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam districts for the day.
• The forecast includes possibilities of rains with lightning and winds reaching 40-50 kmph from April 29 to May 3, 2026.
• The heatwave had previously led to a significant surge in electricity usage and resultant power outages across the state.

PSC relevance: Geography of Kerala (Climate, Rivers, Dams), Disaster Management, State Administration (KSEB, IMD functions).

2. Kerala Assembly Exit Polls 2026 Released, UDF Projected Ahead

• Exit polls for the Kerala Assembly elections, which concluded on April 9, 2026, were released on April 29, 2026, indicating an advantage for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).
• Axis My India projected the UDF to win 78-90 seats, the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) 49-62 seats, and the NDA 0-3 seats in the 140-member Assembly.
• People’s Pulse estimated 75-85 seats for the UDF and 55-65 for the LDF, while Matrize forecasted a closer contest with UDF at 70-75 seats, LDF at 60-65, and NDA at 3-5 seats.
• The overall voter turnout for the elections was approximately 75-78%.

PSC relevance: Indian Polity (Elections, Election Commission of India, State Legislatures), Kerala Political History.

3. Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council Objects to FCRA Amendment Bill

• Christian leaders in India, including the Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC), have voiced objections to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
• The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on March 25, 2026, aims to regulate foreign-funded assets when an organization loses its registration.
• Critics argue the bill could grant the government greater control over faith-based schools, hospitals, and charitable institutions that receive foreign funding.
• The government’s deferral of the bill is seen by some as a tactical retreat influenced by Kerala’s election arithmetic.

PSC relevance: Indian Polity (Legislation, Fundamental Rights, Centre-State Relations), Social Justice.

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National News

4. PM Modi Inaugurates 594-km Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 594-kilometer-long Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh on April 29, 2026.
• This mega infrastructure project connects Meerut to Prayagraj, aiming to significantly boost connectivity and economic development in the region.
• The inauguration took place in Hardoi district, with PM Modi activating the expressway in the presence of Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

PSC relevance: Indian Economy (Infrastructure Development), Geography of India (Uttar Pradesh), Government Schemes and Policies.

5. Second Phase Voting Concludes for West Bengal Assembly Elections

• The second phase of voting for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections concluded on April 29, 2026, covering 142 constituencies.
• The state recorded a high voter turnout of approximately 91.41% till 6 PM, indicating significant public participation.
• This phase was crucial, particularly across South Bengal and the Kolkata region, traditionally strongholds of the ruling Trinamool Congress.

PSC relevance: Indian Polity (Elections, State Legislatures, Election Commission of India), Current Political Events.

6. India-New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (IN-NZ FTA) Signed

• The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (IN-NZ FTA) was signed in New Delhi in April 2026 by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay.
• Under the agreement, India gains 100% duty-free access on all 8,284 tariff lines to New Zealand.
• New Zealand, in turn, will open 118 sectors for services, including Information Technology (IT), education, finance, and tourism.

PSC relevance: Indian Economy (International Trade, FTAs), International Relations.

7. NITI Aayog Launches ‘Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) @2047’ Roadmap

• The NITI Aayog launched a two-phase roadmap titled “Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) @2047: The Roadmap to Prosperity” on April 29, 2026.
• This initiative aims to leverage digital public infrastructure to achieve a $30 trillion economy for India by 2047.

PSC relevance: Indian Economy (Digital Economy, Economic Planning), Governance (NITI Aayog), Government Schemes and Policies.

8. Supreme Court Reiterates Stance on Hate Speech, Calls for Enforcement

• The Supreme Court on April 29, 2026, emphasized that hate speech and rumour-mongering undermine fraternity and secularism in society.
• The court urged the Centre to consider bringing specific laws to address this issue and reiterated that prior sanction is not necessary for a Magistrate to take cognisance of hate speech complaints.
• It also reaffirmed its earlier judgments, including the Tehseen Poonawalla case of 2018, stating that police officers must immediately register FIRs upon receiving a complaint about hate speech.

PSC relevance: Indian Polity (Judiciary, Fundamental Rights, Law and Order), Constitutional Law.

9. Maharashtra Announces Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026

• The Maharashtra government announced its Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026 on April 29, 2026.
• The policy aims to attract investments exceeding ₹10,000 crore and create over 1.5 lakh jobs in the state.
• Key initiatives include establishing six AI centers of excellence and developing five AI innovation cities to foster research and industry collaboration.

PSC relevance: Indian Economy (Investment, Employment), Science and Technology (Artificial Intelligence), State Government Policies.

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International News

10. UAE Announces Withdrawal from OPEC

• The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), effective May 1, 2026.
• This decision comes after nearly 60 years of membership and is set against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and rising global oil prices.
• The UAE’s exit could significantly impact global oil markets by weakening OPEC’s ability to control supply and stabilize prices.

PSC relevance: International Relations (International Organizations), World Economy (Oil Markets, Energy Security), Geography (Strait of Hormuz).

11. UN Nuclear Chief on Iran’s Highly Enriched Uranium Location

• Rafael Grossi, the head of the U.N. nuclear agency (IAEA), stated on April 29, 2026, that most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is likely located at its Isfahan nuclear complex.
• Grossi’s statement to The Associated Press comes amid ongoing international concerns regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

PSC relevance: International Relations (Nuclear Proliferation, UN Agencies), World Affairs.

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10 MCQs

Q1. Which districts in Kerala were issued a yellow alert by the IMD on April 29, 2026, due to heavy rainfall?

Options: A. Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam B. Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram C. Kannur, Kasaragod, Wayanad, Idukki D. Alappuzha, Kozhikode, Kollam, Thrissur

Answer: A

Explanation: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued a yellow alert for Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, and Kottayam districts on April 29, 2026, predicting heavy rainfall.

Q2. Which political front was projected to have an advantage in the Kerala Assembly Exit Polls 2026 by most agencies?

Options: A. Left Democratic Front (LDF) B. United Democratic Front (UDF) C. National Democratic Alliance (NDA) D. Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK)

Answer: B

Explanation: Most exit polls released on April 29, 2026, for the Kerala Assembly elections projected an advantage for the Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF).

Q3. The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, introduced in the Lok Sabha, has drawn objections from which Kerala-based religious body?

Options: A. Kerala Hindu Aikya Vedi B. Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre C. Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) D. Sree Narayana Dharma Paripalana Yogam

Answer: C

Explanation: The Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council (KCBC) is among the Christian leaders in India who have raised objections to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.

Q4. The 594-kilometer-long Ganga Expressway, inaugurated by PM Modi on April 29, 2026, connects which two cities in Uttar Pradesh?

Options: A. Lucknow to Varanasi B. Agra to Meerut C. Meerut to Prayagraj D. Ghaziabad to Kanpur

Answer: C

Explanation: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 594-kilometer-long Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh, connecting Meerut to Prayagraj.

Q5. What was the approximate voter turnout recorded till 6 PM in the second phase of the West Bengal Assembly Elections on April 29, 2026?

Options: A. 75% B. 80% C. 91.41% D. 65%

Answer: C

Explanation: The second phase of voting for the West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections on April 29, 2026, recorded an approximate voter turnout of 91.41% till 6 PM.

Q6. Which two countries signed the Free Trade Agreement (IN-NZ FTA) in New Delhi in April 2026?

Options: A. India and Norway B. India and New Zealand C. India and Nigeria D. India and Netherlands

Answer: B

Explanation: The India–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (IN-NZ FTA) was signed by Union Minister Piyush Goyal and New Zealand’s Minister for Trade and Investment, Todd McClay, in New Delhi.

Q7. NITI Aayog launched a roadmap titled ‘Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) @2047: The Roadmap to Prosperity’ with what economic goal?

Options: A. To achieve a $10 trillion economy by 2047 B. To achieve a $20 trillion economy by 2047 C. To achieve a $30 trillion economy by 2047 D. To achieve a $5 trillion economy by 2030

Answer: C

Explanation: The NITI Aayog’s ‘Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) @2047: The Roadmap to Prosperity’ aims to achieve a $30 trillion economy for India by 2047.

Q8. The Supreme Court reiterated that prior sanction is not necessary for a Magistrate to take cognisance of a complaint about which type of speech?

Options: A. Political speech B. Commercial speech C. Hate speech D. Artistic speech

Answer: C

Explanation: The Supreme Court on April 29, 2026, reiterated that prior sanction is not necessary for a Magistrate to take cognisance of a complaint about hate speech.

Q9. Which country announced its withdrawal from OPEC, effective May 1, 2026?

Options: A. Saudi Arabia B. Russia C. United Arab Emirates (UAE) D. Iran

Answer: C

Explanation: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), effective May 1, 2026.

Q10. According to UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi, where is most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium likely located?

Options: A. Tehran nuclear facility B. Natanz enrichment plant C. Fordow fuel enrichment plant D. Isfahan nuclear complex

Answer: D

Explanation: Rafael Grossi, the head of the U.N. nuclear agency (IAEA), stated on April 29, 2026, that most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is likely at its Isfahan nuclear complex.

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Quick Recap

#	Topic	One-line
1	Kerala Rains & Heatwave	Heavy rains brought relief to Kerala from a heatwave; IMD issued a yellow alert for several districts.
2	Kerala Exit Polls	Exit polls for Kerala Assembly elections 2026 projected an advantage for the Congress-led UDF.
3	FCRA Amendment Bill	Kerala Catholic Bishops’ Council objected to the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
4	Ganga Expressway	PM Modi inaugurated the 594-km Ganga Expressway connecting Meerut to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh.
5	West Bengal Elections	The second phase of voting for the West Bengal Assembly Elections concluded with a 91.41% turnout.
6	India-NZ FTA	India and New Zealand signed a Free Trade Agreement, granting India 100% duty-free access on many tariff lines.
7	NITI Aayog DPI Roadmap	NITI Aayog launched the ‘Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) @2047’ roadmap to achieve a $30 trillion economy.
8	SC on Hate Speech	Supreme Court reiterated that prior sanction is not needed for Magistrate to take cognisance of hate speech complaints.
9	Maharashtra AI Policy	Maharashtra government announced its Artificial Intelligence Policy 2026, aiming for significant investment and job creation.
10	UAE Exits OPEC	The United Arab Emirates announced its withdrawal from OPEC, effective May 1, 2026, after nearly 60 years.
11	Iran Uranium Location	UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi stated that most of Iran’s highly enriched uranium is likely at its Isfahan nuclear complex.

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Sources: Press Information Bureau, Ministry press releases, news aggregators (PMF IAS, AffairsCloud, GKToday, Vajiram & Ravi). Cross-checked at time of publication via Google Search grounding.