Daily GK Update- 16th May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. GDP data release date fixed to the 7th of June every year: The Government has revised the release schedule of Provisional Estimates of Annual GDP and Q4 Quarterly GDP, shifting it from the last working day of May to 7th June every year (or the previous working day if it is a holiday). The decision has been taken after consultation with the Advisory Committee on National Accounts Statistics (ACNAS) to ensure better coordination and accuracy in national accounts reporting. The revision aims to strengthen data quality, coverage, and robustness in national accounts compilation, reflecting ongoing efforts by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).

 

2. Uber Partners with Adani Group to Set Up First Data Centre in India: Uber will set up its first data centre in India in partnership with the Adani Group, strengthening its digital infrastructure presence in the country.Earlier in January 2026, Adani Enterprises Limited (AEL) announced plans to invest over ₹5,000 crore in a 100 MW renewable energy-powered data centre project, which is expected to generate around 600 direct and indirect jobs and involve collaboration with MSMEs and start-ups.

 

3. Cabinet approves MSP hike for Kharif crops for 2026-27 season: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved an increase in Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for Marketing Season 2026–27, aiming to ensure remunerative prices for farmers and strengthen agricultural income.The estimated MSP payout to farmers is around ₹2.60 lakh crore, with expected procurement of over 824 lakh metric tonnes of Kharif crops during the season, reflecting large-scale government procurement support. The highest MSP increase has been announced for Sunflower Seed (₹622/quintal), followed by Cotton (₹557/quintal) and Sesamum (₹500/quintal), while key MSPs include Paddy (₹2,461/quintal), Bajra (₹2,900/quintal), and Tur (₹8,450/quintal).

 

4. Centre releases first instalment of Rs 401.50 crore for court infrastructure scheme: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal released the first instalment of ₹401.50 crore (FY 2026–27) under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for the development of infrastructure facilities in district and subordinate courts across States and Union Territories via the PFMS system. The scheme aims to strengthen judicial infrastructure and improve “ease of justice”, with proposals including a new component of “Waiting Hall for Litigants”, while also extending the scheme’s tenure up to 2030–31 and a temporary extension granted till September 30, 2026. Since inception, the scheme has released ₹12,844.72 crore, leading to construction of 6,345 court halls and 4,023 residential units, with additional infrastructure currently under development to enhance judicial capacity nationwide.

 

5. Union Cabinet Approves ₹37,500 Crore Scheme to Boost Coal and Lignite Gasification in India: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹37,500 crore incentive scheme to promote surface coal and lignite gasification projects in India, aiming to boost domestic syngas production. The scheme focuses on developing a coal-to-chemical ecosystem and enhancing energy security by encouraging large-scale coal and lignite gasification. The government targets gasification of around 75 million tonnes (MT) of coal and lignite, contributing to the broader national goal of 100 MT coal gasification by 2030.

 

6. India Signs Tripartite MoU to Develop First Mega Greenfield Shipyard in Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi Under Maritime Vision 2047: India signed a tripartite MoU to develop its first Mega Greenfield Shipyard at Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, marking a major step in strengthening India’s shipbuilding infrastructure. The proposed shipyard will have an annual shipbuilding capacity of 2.5 million Gross Tonnage (GT), significantly boosting domestic maritime manufacturing capabilities. The MoU was signed between HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), NSHIP-TN, and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL) under the India–South Korea maritime cooperation framework VOYAGES. Under the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047, India aims to become a top five global shipbuilding nation, targeting a production capacity of 4.5 million GT annually by 2047.

 

7. Rathindra Bose Elected Speaker of West Bengal Assembly: Rathindra Bose was elected unopposed as the Speaker of the 18th West Bengal Assembly on 15 May 2026. He is a Bharatiya Janata Party MLA from the Cooch Behar Dakshin constituency and a first-time legislator in the 294-member House. The Speaker is the presiding officer of a State Legislative Assembly under the Constitution of India. The Speaker conducts proceedings, maintains order in the House, and decides on procedural matters during sittings. The West Bengal Legislative Assembly is a unicameral legislature with 294 seats. The 18th Assembly includes 207 Bharatiya Janata Party legislators, which formed the numerical basis for the Speaker’s election.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. CII Elects Tata Chemicals CEO R Mukundan as President for 2026–27: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) elected R Mukundan, MD & CEO of Tata Chemicals, as its President for 2026–27, succeeding Rajiv Memani after the formation of the new National Council. Dr Suchitra K Ella, Co-founder and MD of Bharat Biotech International, was appointed as President-Designate, while Shashwat Goenka of RP-Sanjiv Goenka Group became the Vice-President for 2026–27.

 

2. 15 May – International Day of Families: International Day of Families is observed every year on 15 May to highlight the importance of families as the basic unit of society and to promote awareness about social, economic, and demographic issues affecting families worldwide. Theme 2026 – Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing The day encourages governments and organisations to support family-oriented policies, focusing on areas such as education, health, gender equality, and sustainable development.

3. Australia Bans National Socialist Network Under Anti-Hate Law: Australia banned the neo-Nazi National Socialist Network (NSN) on 15 May 2026 under new anti-hate legislation. The ban took effect at midnight on 15 May 2026 and makes support, funding, training, recruitment, membership, and direction of the group a criminal offence with a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The National Socialist Network is a neo-Nazi organisation that has also used the names White Australia and the European Australian Movement. The group had announced plans to disband in January 2026 before the ban came into force. The Australian law allows the government to ban hate groups and criminalise association with listed organisations. The law covers activities such as organising meetings, providing funds, and recruiting members for a proscribed group.

 

4. India, UAE Sign Pacts on LPG and Strategic Oil Reserves: India and the United Arab Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding on 15 May 2026 for cooperation in strategic petroleum reserves and for increased liquefied petroleum gas supplies to India. The agreements were signed during the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Abu Dhabi, where bilateral talks were held with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The UAE is India’s largest supplier of liquefied petroleum gas and meets about 40% of India’s LPG requirement. The UAE was also India’s fourth-largest source of crude oil in the previous year, with a share of nearly 11% of India’s crude oil imports. India and the UAE had earlier partnered on strategic petroleum reserves in 2018, when Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Limited and Abu Dhabi National Oil Company agreed on storage of more than 5 million barrels of crude oil at the Mangaluru facility in Karnataka.

 

5. Confirmed Ebola Outbreak Reported in Congo: A new Ebola outbreak was confirmed on 15 May 2026 in Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed the outbreak, and preliminary laboratory testing by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale found Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples. Ebola virus disease is a severe viral haemorrhagic fever caused by viruses in the genus Ebolavirus. The disease was first identified in 1976 in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan, and it has caused repeated outbreaks in Central and West Africa. Preliminary results from the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale indicated a non-Zaire ebolavirus strain, and further sequencing was underway on 15 May 2026. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention convened an urgent high-level coordination meeting with health authorities from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan on the same day.

 

6. Jaishankar Meets Iran FM Araghchi in New Delhi: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi in New Delhi on 15 May 2026 on the sidelines of the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting. The talks covered the situation in West Asia, bilateral issues between India and Iran, and the security of international sea lanes used for oil and liquefied natural gas trade. India and Iran maintain diplomatic relations through embassies in New Delhi and Tehran, and both countries have engaged on energy, connectivity, and regional security issues. Iran is a member of BRICS, which expanded from five founding members to include new members in 2024. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage between Oman and Iran that connects the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. The Red Sea is linked to the Indian Ocean through the Bab-el-Mandeb strait, and both waterways are used by merchant vessels carrying crude oil and LNG.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Sagar Defence Engineering Sets Up Maritime Centre in Andhra Pradesh: Sagar Defence Engineering held the stone-breaking ceremony for India’s first Autonomous Maritime Shipbuilding and Systems Centre on 12 March 2026 at Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour in Andhra Pradesh. The project is planned as an autonomous maritime shipbuilding facility with waterfront access in Nellore district for vessel construction, testing, and deployment. The Government of Andhra Pradesh allotted 29.58 acres of land for the project at Juvvaladinne in Nellore district. Juvvaladinne Fishing Harbour is located on the Andhra Pradesh coast and provides access to the Bay of Bengal. The centre will develop unmanned surface vessels, autonomous underwater vehicles, intelligent navigation systems, and integrated command-and-control systems. The facility is also expected to use AI-driven shipyard management, digital twin systems, robotic fabrication, and 3D printing.

 

SPORTS 

 

2. Faustino Oro Becomes Second Youngest Grandmaster in Chess History at Just 12 Years of Age: IM Faustino Oro of Argentina created history by securing his final Grandmaster (GM) norm with a round to spare at the Sardinia World Chess Festival in Italy, becoming the second-youngest GM ever. At just 12 years, 6 months, and 26 days, he achieved the prestigious chess title, earning his third and final GM norm and marking a major milestone in chess history. Known as the “Messi of Chess”, Oro secured the norm after defeating IM Bartłomiej Niedbała, converting a seemingly drawn endgame into a victory with strong queenside play.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. IndiaAI Mission Partners with Karya to Strengthen Inclusive AI Ecosystem: The IndiaAI Mission (MeitY) has signed an agreement with Karya (a nonprofit organisation) to strengthen India’s inclusive artificial intelligence ecosystem by enhancing collaboration in data, technology, and capacity building. The partnership focuses on the development and sharing of high-quality language and multimodal datasets, along with strengthening AI infrastructure such as AI Kosh, model evaluation frameworks, and dataset quality standards. It will also promote capacity building and ecosystem development through training programmes, workshops, technical consultations, and knowledge-sharing initiatives across government and partner institutions to build more inclusive and representative AI systems.

 

2. India Releases First Satellite-Tagged Ganges Soft-Shell Turtle: India released its first satellite-tagged Ganges soft-shell turtle in Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve in Assam on 15 May 2026. The release took place on Endangered Species Day, which is observed on 15 May each year. The species is Nilssonia gangetica, a freshwater turtle found in river systems of the Indian subcontinent. The Ganges soft-shell turtle belongs to the family Trionychidae, which includes soft-shelled freshwater turtles. It is listed as Endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. The species occurs in rivers, floodplains, and large freshwater wetlands in South Asia. Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve covers 1,302 sq. km in Assam. The protected area is known for grasslands, wetlands, and riverine habitats. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major habitat for the one-horned rhinoceros, Asian elephant, swamp deer, and Bengal tiger.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. PSBs Post Record ₹1.98 Lakh Crore Profit in FY26, Asset Quality Hits Multi-Year High: Public Sector Banks (PSBs) recorded a historic net profit of ₹1.98 lakh crore in FY 2025–26, marking their fourth consecutive year of strong financial performance driven by improved asset quality and credit growth. The aggregate operating profit of PSBs stood at ₹3.21 lakh crore, while overall business rose 12.8% to ₹283.3 lakh crore, with deposits increasing 10.6% and gross advances surging 15.7% year-on-year. Asset quality improved significantly, with gross NPA falling to 1.93% and net NPA to 0.39%, while provisioning coverage remained above 90%, reflecting strong risk management and balance sheet stability. Fresh slippages declined to 0.7%, and total recoveries, including written-off accounts, reached ₹86,971 crore, indicating better recovery mechanisms and stronger credit discipline across PSBs.

 

2. India’s Wholesale Inflation Surges to 8.3%, Highest in Three-and-a-Half Years: India’s wholesale inflation rose to 3% in April 2026, marking the fastest increase in nearly 3.5 years and indicating rising price pressure in the economy. Wholesale inflation in India is measured through the Wholesale Price Index (WPI), which tracks changes in prices of goods at the wholesale level. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) releases the WPI data on the 14th of every month, and the current base year for WPI is 2011-12.

 

3. NaBFID raises 14,000 crore through 10-year bonds at 7.74%: State-owned National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) raised ₹4,000 crore through 10-year bonds at a cut-off yield of 7.74%. The bond issuance is considered significant because most issuers recently preferred short-term borrowings (2–3 years) amid global uncertainty, yield volatility, and investor caution due to the West Asia crisis. NaBFID successfully accepted the entire issue, including the greenshoe option, while several State Development Loans (SDLs) of states like Tamil Nadu were offering yields in the 7.73%–7.85% range.

 

Daily GK Update- 15th May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Judicial Infrastructure Advisory Committee: The Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, constituted the Judicial Infrastructure Advisory Committee on 12-13 May 2026 for a nationwide roadmap on court infrastructure. The committee is linked to judicial administration, court facilities, computerisation, and financial planning for infrastructure across India. The committee is headed by Supreme Court judge Justice Aravind Kumar. Its members include Justice Debangsu Basak of the Calcutta High Court, Justice Ashwani Kumar Mishra of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, and Justice Somasekhar Sundaresan of the Bombay High Court. The Director General of the Central Public Works Department and the Secretary General of the Supreme Court of India are also members, and the Secretary General serves as Member Secretary. The committee has been tasked with identifying constraints in infrastructure and recommending facilities for judges, lawyers, litigants, and court staff. It is also required to examine computerisation of courts and propose citizen-centric services for reducing the digital divide in court access.

 

2. Karnataka Drafts Gram Panchayat Climate Action Plans: Karnataka has started drafting individual climate action plans for 5,994 gram panchayats and 340 urban local bodies. The initiative is linked to the revised State Action Plan on Climate Change Version 2, which was updated in 2024 and aligned with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement. The Gram Panchayat-Level Climate Plan is designed for local bodies at the village level in Karnataka. The state has 5,994 gram panchayats, and the framework is intended to extend climate planning to the grassroots level. The plan covers local actions such as water-use efficiency, cultivation of drought-resistant crops and millets, agroforestry, energy efficiency, and plantation drives. Karnataka has also set a target of planting five crore saplings across different land categories. Karnataka is monitoring 105 climate targets across 15 departments for the 2025-2030 period. The departments include agriculture, energy, and rural and urban development, and monthly reviews are conducted by an apex committee led by the chief secretary. District-level training programmes for government officials, academic institutions, and industry bodies are being conducted in 2026 to support the rollout of the plans. The state has also recorded more than 50% renewable energy generation.

 

3. India Bans Sugar Exports Till 30 September: India prohibited the export of raw, white and refined sugar with immediate effect from 14 May 2026 until 30 September 2026 or until further orders. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade amended the export policy for sugar from “restricted” to “prohibited” under specific ITC (HS) codes. India is the world’s second-largest sugar producer, and sugar is a major agro-based commodity in the country’s trade basket. Sugar export policy in India is regulated through the Foreign Trade Policy and notifications issued under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. The current restriction covers raw sugar, white sugar and refined sugar, which are standard commercial grades in international trade. The policy change applies to exports from India during the notified period and remains valid until further orders.

4. Rajnath Singh, Chandrababu Naidu Lay Foundation Stone for AMCA Project: The foundation stone for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme infrastructure is being laid on 15 May 2026 at Puttaparthi in Sri Sathya Sai district, Andhra Pradesh. The project has an estimated infrastructure investment of ₹15,803 crore and covers about 650 acres. The Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft, or AMCA, is India’s first indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter jet programme. The programme is associated with the Defence Research and Development Organisation and the Aeronautical Development Agency. The event also includes the launch of multiple defence, aerospace, and drone manufacturing projects in Andhra Pradesh. Rajnath Singh is also laying the foundation stone for a new Naval Systems Manufacturing Facility for Bharat Dynamics Limited at T Sirasapalli village in Anakapalli district.

 

5. India’s Wholesale Inflation Rises to 8.3%: India’s Wholesale Price Index (WPI) inflation rose to 8.3% in April 2026, the highest level in 42 months. The Ministry of Commerce and Industry released the WPI data on 14 May 2026, and the April figure was higher than 3.88% in March 2026. The Wholesale Price Index measures the average change in prices of goods at the wholesale level in India. WPI inflation is used to track price movements in primary articles, fuel and power, and manufactured products. Inflation in manufactured products increased to 4.62% in April 2026 from 3.39% in March 2026. The rise affected chemicals, textiles, machinery, and basic metals, which are major components of the manufacturing basket. Retail inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), stood at 3.48% in April 2026 and remained below the Reserve Bank of India’s 4% comfort target. The rupee averaged 93.6 per US dollar in April 2026, compared with 92.8 in March 2026.

 

6. Mizoram Ginger Mission Launched With Rs 189 Crore Outlay: The Centre launched the Mizoram Ginger Mission on 13 May 2026 with an outlay of Rs 189.79 crore. The project is also named the Mizoram Ginger Unique Selling Proposition (USP) – Sustainable Cultivation & Value Chain Development Project. Mizo Ginger is a Geographical Indication (GI)-certified agricultural product from Mizoram. The mission includes a plan to promote pharma-grade Mizo Ginger in international markets. The mission covers sustainable cultivation, quality control, food safety, farm mechanisation, solarisation, post-harvest management, and processing. The Ministry for Development of North Eastern Region approved Rs 30.13 crore for post-harvest management and processing infrastructure under the North Eastern Council’s Focused Development Component.

 

7. V.D. Satheesan Named Kerala Chief Minister: On 14 May 2026, the Congress party announced V.D. Satheesan as the Chief Minister of Kerala after the United Democratic Front won 102 of 140 seats in the Kerala Assembly elections. Satheesan, born on 31 May 1964, became the 13th Chief Minister of Kerala and had served as the Leader of the Opposition in the Kerala Legislative Assembly from 2021 to 2026. The United Democratic Front is a political alliance in Kerala led by the Indian National Congress. It has been one of the two major electoral fronts in the state, alongside the Left Democratic Front. The Kerala Legislative Assembly is the unicameral legislature of the state of Kerala. It has 140 elected members, and the majority mark is 71 seats.

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Chairs BRICS in 2026: India assumed the BRICS Chairmanship on 1 January 2026 and hosted the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in New Delhi on 14 May 2026. India’s 2026 chairship works under the theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability”. BRICS is an intergovernmental grouping of major emerging economies. The original members were Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, and the grouping later expanded to include new members in 2024 and 2025. India holds the BRICS presidency for the fourth time in 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated on 14 May 2026 that India’s chairmanship will focus on multilateralism, sustainable development, economic resilience and a more inclusive world order.

 

2. PFAS Detected in 98.8% of Human Blood Samples: Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a class of more than 15,000 synthetic chemicals that resist degradation in the environment and in the human body. A U.S. study published in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene in April 2026 detected PFAS in 98.8% of 10,566 human blood samples. PFAS are fluorinated organic compounds used in industrial and consumer products. Their carbon-fluorine bonds give them high thermal stability and resistance to water, oil, and stains. PFHxS, or perfluorohexane sulfonic acid, is one PFAS compound used in textiles, furniture, and adhesives. The study analysed serum and plasma samples from 10,566 people. Multiple PFAS types were found in 98.5% of the samples, and only 0.18% of samples contained a single PFAS chemical. The testing panels identified more than 70 unique PFAS combinations.

 

3. LEADS 2025 Report Released in New Delhi: The Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal released the LEADS 2025 Report in New Delhi and felicitated the winners of the LEAPS 2025 Awards. LEADS stands for Logistics Ease Across Different States and serves as India’s annual assessment and benchmarking tool for the logistics sector across States and Union Territories. LEADS 2025 is the seventh edition of the report. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry publishes the report for States and Union Territories. The framework assesses logistics ecosystems on policy and institutional framework, infrastructure quality, reliability of services, and operating environment. The 2025 edition uses a four-tier performance structure instead of the earlier three-tier format.

 

4. Pakistan Explores Islamic NATO Defence Cooperation: Pakistan has discussed an expanded regional defence and economic arrangement with Gulf nations, including Qatar and Turkiye, under the idea of an “Islamic NATO”. The proposal follows the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025, under which aggression against one side is treated as an attack on both. Discussions on the inclusion of Qatar and Turkiye in the arrangement are at different stages of completion. Turkiye has a large defence industry and a long record of military modernisation, while Qatar has been part of several regional security discussions in West Asia. The proposed grouping is linked to regional stability, reduced dependence on external powers, and collective security cooperation. The arrangement is not described as being directed against any specific country. The idea of an “Islamic NATO” gained attention after a 2025 Israeli strike on Doha. The incident raised questions about deterrence and the security of Gulf states in West Asia. Pakistan also maintained official neutrality during the 2026 Iran war. It condemned attacks from all sides and took part in mediation efforts.

 

5. Tri-Service Women Crew Nears Global Sailing Homecoming: The Indian Army Sailing Vessel IASV Triveni, crewed by 10 women officers from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force, is sailing from Cape Town to Mumbai after a global circumnavigation that began on 11 September 2025. The 50-foot yacht was built in Puducherry and is expected to complete the expedition in June 2026. The voyage, named Samudra Pradakshina, started from Mumbai and covered more than 23,000 nautical miles by 8 May 2026. The crew stopped at Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and Cape Town during the circumnavigation. IASV Triveni is a 50-foot sailing yacht used by an all-women tri-service crew from the Indian Armed Forces. The expedition leader is Lieutenant Colonel Anuja Varudkar, and Squadron Leader Shraddha P Raju serves as Deputy Expedition Leader.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Kalam & Kavach 3.0 Inaugurated in New Delhi: Kalam & Kavach 3.0, India’s defence and strategic dialogue platform, was inaugurated on 14 May 2026 at the Manekshaw Centre in New Delhi. The third edition carried the theme “Taking JAI Forward With I²”, where JAI stands for Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation, and I² stands for Indigenisation and International Collaboration. Kalam & Kavach is a defence dialogue platform associated with strategic and military discussions in India. The 2026 edition used the theme “Taking JAI Forward With I²”, which combines three defence concepts and two industrial concepts in one framework. The discussions covered future warfare and emerging technologies relevant to modern military systems. The topics included AI-enabled warfare, autonomous systems, hypersonic technologies, quantum-enabled C4ISR capabilities, and challenges in low-earth orbit. Integrated theatre commands formed part of the discussion on joint military planning and command structures. Air Marshal Ashutosh Dixit stated at the conclave that Jointness, Aatmanirbharta and Innovation are interlinked in defence capability development.

 

2. India Seeks Extension to Russian Oil Waiver From US: India has approached the United States for an extension of the waiver that allows imports of Russian crude oil already loaded on ships. The request comes amid disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz for 75 days and a rise in Brent crude prices from 80 to 120 per barrel between 2 March and 9 March 2026. The current US authorisation for India covers Russian crude oil that was already loaded onto vessels. This authorisation is set to expire on 16 May 2026. Washington has urged India to reduce purchases of discounted Russian crude in the context of the war in Ukraine. Russian oil is not under a blanket US sanctions regime. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime chokepoint between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. It is one of the most important routes for global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Disruptions in this passage affect tanker traffic, freight costs, and regional supply chains.

 

3. Indian-flagged merchant ship attacked off Oman coast: An Indian-flagged commercial vessel was attacked off the coast of Oman on 13 May 2026. All Indian crew members aboard the ship were reported safe after the incident. Merchant ships are commercial vessels used for the transport of cargo and passengers across sea routes. Civilian mariners are non-combatant seafarers employed on commercial vessels, and they operate under maritime safety and shipping regulations. Oman lies on the south-eastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula and borders the Arabian Sea and the Gulf of Oman. The sea lanes near Oman connect the Indian Ocean with the Strait of Hormuz, which is a key maritime chokepoint for global trade and energy transport.

SPORTS

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Kaal Bhairava AI Combat Aircraft to Be Made in Portugal: Flying Wedge Defence & Aerospace announced on 14 May 2026 that its Kaal Bhairava AI combat aircraft will be manufactured in Portugal. The project involves SKETCHPIXEL LDA, a European company that works on fighter jet simulation systems, and it is described as the first overseas production node for an Indian-designed autonomous combat aircraft. Kaal Bhairava is a Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance, or MALE, autonomous combat aircraft. It has a stated range of 3,000 km and an endurance of more than 30 hours. The aircraft includes AI-driven target recognition, swarm coordination, and encrypted communication systems.

 

2. India EV Battery Demand May Reach 200 GWh by 2032: India’s electric vehicle battery demand is projected to rise from 20 GWh in 2025 to 200 GWh by 2032. The estimate was placed in a study linked to the Indian Energy Alliance and Customized Energy Solutions, and the study is scheduled for release at the 12th India Energy Storage Week in New Delhi from 8 to 10 July. India’s EV sales crossed 2.5 million units in 2025. Electric two-wheelers accounted for 1.5 million units, and electric three-wheelers accounted for 0.7 million units in the same year. Electric two-wheelers remain the largest volume segment in India’s EV market. Passenger electric cars and light commercial fleets are expected to form the next phase of demand growth. NMC, or nickel manganese cobalt, currently holds a 70 per cent market share in the electric two-wheeler battery segment. LFP, or lithium iron phosphate, is gaining market share in other EV segments. The study also covers LMFP, solid-state, sodium-ion, and other cell technologies through 2032. In motor technology, BLDC motors account for 71 per cent of the two-wheeler market, while PMSM motors hold more than 90 per cent market share in electric passenger vehicles.

 

 

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India Enters Revised EU Draft List for Aquaculture Exports: European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905 requires exporting countries to ensure that animals and animal products sent to the EU are free from antimicrobial medicinal products used for growth promotion. The same regulation also covers antimicrobials reserved for human treatment. India was included in a revised draft list published by the European Union on 12 May 2026 for continued exports of aquaculture products to the 27-member bloc. The draft list is linked to export continuity beyond September 2026 for Indian aquaculture shipments to the EU market. India was omitted from the EU implementing regulation (EU) 2024/2598, issued on 4 October 2024. That regulation had not authorised India for exports of products of animal origin for human consumption to the EU from September 2026.

 

2. SEBI Proposes Changes to Municipal Bond Framework: The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a consultation paper on 13 May 2026 proposing amendments to the SEBI (Issue and Listing of Municipal Debt Securities) Regulations, 2015. The proposal covers refinancing of existing debt, disclosure norms, pooled financing through Special Purpose Vehicles, and changes in the face value of privately placed municipal bonds. Municipal debt securities are bonds issued by urban local bodies for raising funds from the capital market. Urban local bodies in India include municipal corporations, municipalities, and notified area committees under the constitutional framework for local self-government. As of 31 March 2026, 22 municipal corporations in India had raised ₹4,540 crore through 31 issuances of municipal debt securities. Public comments on the consultation paper are open until 3 June 2026.

 

3. Assam Cabinet Approves Draft Uniform Civil Code Bill: On 13 May 2026, the Assam Cabinet approved the draft Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in its first meeting of Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma’s second term. The bill is scheduled for introduction in the Assam Legislative Assembly on 26 May 2026, the concluding day of the session that begins on 21 May. The Assam draft UCC Bill covers marriage and divorce registration, prohibition of polygamy, property rights for girls, and rules on live-in relationships. Tribal communities in hill and plain areas are kept outside the purview of the proposed law, and customary laws, traditional rituals, and religious rituals of Assam’s people are exempted from its scope.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. St Stephen’s College appoints first female principal: St Stephen’s College in Delhi appointed Professor Susan Elias as its first female principal on 12 May 2026. She will take charge as the 14th principal of the 145-year-old college on 1 June 2026. St Stephen’s College was founded in 1881 and is one of the constituent colleges of the University of Delhi. Women students were admitted to the college from 1975, while the principal’s office remained male-led until 2026. The principal is the head of a college and is responsible for academic administration, faculty coordination, and institutional governance. Professor Susan Elias succeeds Professor John Varghese, whose tenure included administrative disputes between the college and the University of Delhi.

 

Daily GK Update- 14th May, 2026

 NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Cabinet Approves ₹20,667 Crore Ahmedabad–Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project Under PM Gati Shakti Plan: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Narendra Modi, has approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)–Dholera semi high-speed double-line railway project at a cost of ₹20,667 crore, marking the first such project in Indian Railways.The 134-km corridor, built under the vision of “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” and PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, will connect Ahmedabad with Dholera Special Investment Region, Dholera Airport, and Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex.The project is targeted for completion by 2030–31 and is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve regional connectivity, and enable same-day travel between Ahmedabad and Dholera.

 

2. PM Narendra Modi Participates in Somnath Amrut Parv, Marks 75 Years of Restored Somnath Temple: PM Narendra Modi offered prayers and performed puja at the Somnath Temple during the Somnath Amrut Parv celebrations in Gujarat.The Mahapuja ceremony commemorated 75 years of the inauguration of the restored Somnath Temple, one of India’s most revered Hindu pilgrimage sites.The rebuilt Somnath Temple was inaugurated in 1951 by Rajendra Prasad after its reconstruction in post-independence India.

 

3. India Launches “Unified Bharat e-Charge” — UPI-Like Platform for EV Charging Across Networks: Union Heavy Industries Minister D. Kumaraswamy launched the Unified Bharat e-Charge (UBC), a national platform described as the “UPI for EV charging” to enable seamless EV charging access across India.The platform allows users to locate, book, and pay for electric vehicle charging across networks of BPCL, Indian Oil, HPCL, state agencies, and private operators through a single interoperable system. Developed by Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited and supported by the Government of India and NPCI, the “one nation, one app” system provides real-time data on charger availability, ownership, location, and power output.

 

4. DigiHaat Launches “Swadeshi” Marketplace to Promote Made-in-Bharat Products under Atmanirbhar Bharat: Government-backed e-commerce platform DigiHaat has launched a new marketplace called “Swadeshi” to promote authentic Made-in-Bharat products and support local producers under the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.The platform operates under the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) ecosystem and is designed to strengthen a decentralized digital commerce network in India.DigiHaat functions as a wholly-owned subsidiary within ONDC and is part of Nirmit Bharat, working to promote inclusive digital trade.The initiative aims to develop a national marketplace based on the principle of “Bharat Se, Bharat Tak,” connecting local producers directly to consumers across India.

 

5. PMEGP Exceeds Targets, Creates 36.33 Lakh Jobs with Full Budget Utilisation in 15th Finance Commission Cycle: The Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is a flagship Central Sector Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, implemented through the Khadi and Village Industries Commission to support new micro-enterprises in the non-farm sector.During the 15th Finance Commission cycle (2021–22 to 2025–26), the scheme exceeded its target by establishing over 4,03,706 micro-enterprises against the target of 4,02,000 units.The programme generated approximately 36.33 lakh employment opportunities, significantly contributing to rural and urban self-employment across India.With an approved budgetary outlay of ₹13,554.42 crore, the scheme achieved full fund utilisation and was highlighted during the IFAD–India Partnership for Rural Prosperity event held at Bharat Mandapam.

 

6. Ministry of External Affairs to Host BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting 2026: India will host the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on 14–15 May 2026 under its chairship of the bloc, with participation from member and partner countries. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will chair the meeting.Key discussions will focus on global and regional issues, BRICS@20 theme “Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation and Sustainability,” and reforms in global governance and multilateral institutions to enhance representation of emerging economies.

 

7. India Doubles Import Tax on Gold and Silver to 18.4% Amid Forex Reserve Concerns: The Government of India has increased the effective import tax on gold and silver from 9.2% to 18.4%, effective from May 13, 2026, through two separate notifications issued on May 12.Earlier, imports attracted 5% basic customs duty, 1% Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess (AIDC), and 3% IGST, while the revised structure raises customs duty to 10% and AIDC to 5%, significantly increasing the total tax burden.The move follows Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce gold purchases temporarily in order to help safeguard India’s foreign exchange reserves and stabilize the rupee exchange rate.

 

8. South Coast Railway Zone Begins Operations in Visakhapatnam: The South Coast Railway (SCoR) zone is scheduled to begin operations on 1 June 2026 with its headquarters in Visakhapatnam. The Ministry of Railways issued a gazette notification on 4 May 2026, and SCoR has been constituted as India’s 18th railway zone. The South Coast Railway zone includes the existing Guntakal, Guntur, and Vijayawada divisions from South Central Railway. It also includes a newly created Visakhapatnam division. The erstwhile Waltair division was bifurcated for the new arrangement. A 696-km stretch became the Rayagada division under East Coast Railway, while the remaining 463-km stretch became the Visakhapatnam division under SCoR.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. India Launches 8-Year COSOP 2026–2033 with International Fund for Agricultural Development: The Government of India, in partnership with the International Fund for Agricultural Development, launched the 8-year Country Strategic Opportunities Programme (COSOP) for 2026–2033 to improve rural incomes, resilience, and sustainable livelihoods.The programme was announced at the IFAD–India Partnership for Rural Prosperity event held at Bharat Mandapam, with participation from senior government officials, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.The COSOP 2026–2033 aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and focuses on strengthening rural resilience (social, economic, climate) and improving knowledge systems to scale successful development models across India and the Global South.

 

2. Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool Approved to Strengthen India’s Shipping Trade Amid Global Geopolitical Risks: The Government of India has approved the €129.8 billion (about $1.4 billion) Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool to ensure uninterrupted maritime trade and reduce dependence on foreign insurers amid rising global geopolitical tensions and sanctions affecting shipping insurance.The initiative was announced by Ashwini Vaishnaw and will remain operational for 10 years, with a provision to extend it by another 5 years, where insurance policies will be issued collectively by member insurers using pooled underwriting capacity.The total combined underwriting capacity of the pool is around ₹950 crore, meaning member insurance companies together can directly absorb and manage claims up to this limit, strengthening India’s internal risk-handling system.The pool has been created because global conflicts and sanctions have made foreign insurers either withdraw coverage or increase premiums sharply, creating uncertainty for Indian trade and shipping operations.Its key objective is to ensure continuous, affordable, and reliable marine insurance coverage, reduce external dependency, and safeguard India’s shipping and international trade ecosystem through a coordinated domestic insurance mechanism.

 

3. 12 May – International Day of Plant Health: The International Day of Plant Health is observed every year on 12 May to raise global awareness about the importance of protecting plant health for food security, biodiversity, and sustainable agriculture.Theme 2026- Plant Biosecurity for Food Security and Nutrition The day highlights the need to prevent the spread of pests and diseases in plants, which can severely impact agricultural productivity and global ecosystems.

 

4. India Bans Sugar Exports Till September 2026: India prohibited sugar exports with immediate effect on 13 May 2026, and the restriction remains in force until 30 September 2026 or until further orders. The order covers raw sugar, white sugar, and refined sugar under ITC (HS) Codes 1701 14 90 and 1701 99 90. Sugar exports were shifted from the “restricted” category to the “prohibited” category under the Foreign Trade Policy framework. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade issues such notifications under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. The prohibition applies to raw sugar, white sugar, and refined sugar. Exemptions apply to shipments to the European Union and the United States under CXL and tariff-rate quota arrangements, exports under the Advance Authorisation Scheme, and government-to-government shipments for food security. Consignments already in the export pipeline are also allowed to proceed. These include cargoes with loading commenced, shipping bills filed, or vessels berthed or anchored at Indian ports.

5. India Enters Revised EU Draft List for Aquaculture Exports: India was included in a revised draft list published by the European Union on 12 May 2026 for continued exports of aquaculture products to the 27-member bloc. The draft list is linked to export continuity beyond September 2026 for Indian aquaculture shipments to the EU market. European Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2023/905 requires exporting countries to ensure that animals and animal products sent to the EU are free from antimicrobial medicinal products used for growth promotion. The same regulation also covers antimicrobials reserved for human treatment. India was omitted from the EU implementing regulation (EU) 2024/2598, issued on 4 October 2024. That regulation had not authorised India for exports of products of animal origin for human consumption to the EU from September 2026.

 

6. India Fast-Tracks Oman-Gujarat Subsea Gas Pipeline: India is advancing a proposed subsea natural gas pipeline from Ras Al Jifan in Oman to Porbandar in Gujarat. The project is planned as a deep-sea link across the Arabian Sea with a route length of about 1,600 km to 2,000 km and a maximum depth of about 3,450 metres. The pipeline is designed to transport 31 million metric standard cubic metres per day of natural gas. The route is planned to connect Oman directly with the western coast of India and to reduce dependence on maritime gas shipments. The estimated capital expenditure is about ₹40,000 crore to ₹43,000 crore, or around 4.7 billion to 6 billion. The project has been described as a deep-water pipeline venture because it must operate at extreme seabed depths and across long offshore distances. The proposed alignment includes the Arabian Sea, the Owen Fracture Zone, and the Indus Fan. The Owen Fracture Zone is a submarine tectonic boundary in the north-western Indian Ocean, and the Indus Fan is a large deep-sea sedimentary system.

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. Centre grants one-year extension to CBI Director Praveen Sood: The Central Government has extended the tenure of Praveen Sood as Director of the Central Bureau of Investigation by one more year beyond May 24, 2026.This is the second extension granted to Praveen Sood, who originally took charge as CBI Director on May 25, 2023, for a two-year term.The decision was approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet after recommendations from a selection panel headed by Narendra Modi, and including Surya Kant and Rahul Gandhi.

 

2. Pakistan Explores Islamic NATO Defence Cooperation: Pakistan has discussed an expanded regional defence and economic arrangement with Gulf nations, including Qatar and Turkiye, under the idea of an “Islamic NATO”. The proposal follows the Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement signed by Pakistan and Saudi Arabia in September 2025, under which aggression against one side is treated as an attack on both. The Strategic Mutual Defence Agreement is a bilateral defence pact between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. It was signed in September 2025 and includes a mutual defence commitment between the two states. Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have also maintained wider economic and security cooperation. Saudi Arabia provided $3 billion in financial support to Pakistan on 15 April 2026 to address a financing gap. Discussions on the inclusion of Qatar and Turkiye in the arrangement are at different stages of completion. Turkiye has a large defence industry and a long record of military modernisation, while Qatar has been part of several regional security discussions in West Asia.

 

SPORTS 

 

1. Mal Anderson, First Unseeded U.S. Open Champion, Dies at 91: Mal Anderson, the first unseeded player to win the U.S. Open Men’s Singles title in 1957, passed away at the age of 91, as confirmed by Tennis Australia.Anderson rose from humble beginnings, starting his tennis career on a farm dirt court, and went on to become an Australian tennis great, winning the U.S. Championship in 1957 along with three major doubles titles and two Davis Cup victories for Australia.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. India EV Battery Demand May Reach 200 GWh by 2032: India’s electric vehicle battery demand is projected to rise from 20 GWh in 2025 to 200 GWh by 2032. The estimate was placed in a study linked to the Indian Energy Alliance and Customized Energy Solutions, and the study is scheduled for release at the 12th India Energy Storage Week in New Delhi from 8 to 10 July. India’s EV sales crossed 2.5 million units in 2025. Electric two-wheelers accounted for 1.5 million units, and electric three-wheelers accounted for 0.7 million units in the same year. Electric two-wheelers remain the largest volume segment in India’s EV market. Passenger electric cars and light commercial fleets are expected to form the next phase of demand growth.

 

2. IMD Launches AI Weather Forecasting Products: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched two Artificial Intelligence-based weather forecasting products for monsoon regions that depend on rain-fed agriculture. One product was developed by the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) for Uttar Pradesh, and the other was developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune for district-level rainfall forecasting. The Uttar Pradesh product provides rainfall forecasts at a spatial resolution of 1 km. It uses data from Automatic Rain Gauges, Automatic Weather Stations, satellites, and Doppler weather radars. The system can provide downscaled rainfall forecasts with a lead time of up to 10 days. The IITM product tracks monsoon progression at the district level and provides updates every Wednesday. The system covers 3,196 blocks and sub-districts across 16 states and one Union Territory in this phase. These areas were selected because they are rain-fed regions with high dependence on rainfall.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. Cyber Crime Coordination sign MoU with RBI to curtail mule accounts: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) signed an MoU with the Reserve Bank Innovation Hub to strengthen cooperation in combating cyber-enabled financial frauds and identifying mule accounts across the banking and digital payment ecosystem.The agreement focuses on fraud-risk intelligence sharing, analytical support, and operational coordination, enabling AI-driven detection systems to identify hidden mule accounts and enhance proactive cyber fraud prevention across India.

 

2. India’s Retail Inflation Rises to 3.48% in April 2026: India’s retail inflation (Consumer Price Index) rose to 3.48% in April 2026, up from 40% in March 2026, as per provisional data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, driven mainly by higher food inflation.Rural inflation increased to 3.74% while urban inflation rose to 3.16%, indicating a broader upward trend in price levels across both rural and urban areas of India.

 

3. Cabinet approves ₹37,500-crore coal gasification scheme: The Union Cabinet approved a ₹37,500 crore Scheme for Promotion of Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification Projects on 13 May 2026. The scheme covers coal and lignite gasification projects and includes financial incentives, project selection through competitive bidding, and milestone-linked disbursal. Coal gasification is a process that converts coal or lignite into synthesis gas, also called syngas, which mainly contains carbon monoxide, hydrogen, carbon dioxide, methane, and water vapour. Syngas is used as an intermediate feedstock for chemicals, fertilisers, fuels, and industrial gases. The scheme aims to support gasification of about 75 million tonnes of coal and lignite through new projects. It targets investment mobilisation of ₹2.5–3 lakh crore and the creation of about 50,000 jobs. The national target for coal gasification is 100 million tonnes by 2030.

 

AWARDS AND HONOURS

 

1. Droupadi Murmu Confers National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 to 15 Nursing Professionals at Rashtrapati Bhavan: President Droupadi Murmu conferred the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2026 at Rashtrapati Bhavan to 15 nursing professionals for their outstanding contribution in the field of nursing and healthcare services.The award, instituted in 1973 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, recognizes Registered Nurses, Midwives, Auxiliary Nurse Midwives, and Lady Health Visitors serving across government, UTs, and voluntary organisations, and includes a certificate, medal, and ₹1 lakh cash prize.