Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 13 May 2026, Daily Roundup
Current Affairs – 13 May 2026
On 13 May 2026, India focused on judicial modernisation, rural infrastructure, healthcare reforms, and defence preparedness, while global attention remained on the Strait of Hormuz crisis, regional conflicts, and energy security.
National Affairs
Governance, Judiciary & Policy
- The Supreme Court officially launched the “One Case One Data” initiative, creating a unified digital identity system for cases across High Courts, district courts, and taluka courts to improve transparency and efficiency.
- The Union Government increased basic import duties on gold and silver, leading to a sharp rise in MCX precious metal futures.
- The Ministry of Rural Development accelerated implementation of PMGSY-IV, targeting construction of 62,500 km of all-weather rural roads using waste plastic and green technologies.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi welcomed the West Bengal government’s decision to implement Ayushman Bharat in the state.
- PM Modi urged citizens to reduce edible oil consumption by 10% as part of a national health awareness drive.
- Tamil Nadu CM C. Joseph Vijay ordered the closure of 717 liquor outlets located near schools, places of worship, and bus stands.
- Himanta Biswa Sarma took oath as Assam Chief Minister for a second consecutive term.
International Current Affairs
- India and Japan expanded cooperation in critical minerals, semiconductors, ICT, pharmaceuticals, and clean-energy supply chains during a high-level industrial dialogue.
- WHO issued another update on the Andes hantavirus outbreak linked to cruise liner MV Hondius, with cases reported in France, Spain, and the US.
- India and Peru agreed to continue negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) later in 2026.
- The Ministry of External Affairs announced that registrations for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra 2026 would close on 19 May.
Global Geopolitical Crisis
- Chinese supertanker Yuan Hua Hu, carrying 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude, successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz after being stranded for nearly two months.
- The US Energy Information Administration reported that oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz fell by 70% in Q1 2026 due to ongoing tensions.
- Israeli drone strikes on a highway linking Beirut to southern Lebanon caused multiple casualties, intensifying regional tensions.
- Bangladesh reported worsening measles outbreaks with additional deaths recorded.
- US President Donald Trump stated that Taiwan and energy security would dominate discussions during his China visit.
Defence
- The Ministry of Defence marked the conclusion of the Operation Shakti nuclear test anniversary, highlighting India’s strategic deterrence capability.
- The Indian Army inducted indigenous systems including the ULPGM and AGNIKAA VTOL-1 FPV Kamikaze Drone from Adani Defence.
- Vice Admiral Ajay Kochhar was appointed the next Vice Chief of Naval Staff (VCNS).
- DRDO prepared deployment of the DURGA-2 100-kW laser weapon system aboard Indian Navy warships.
- The Indian Air Force prepared forward deployment of Tejas MK-1A squadrons in Rajasthan.
- IASV Triveni, crewed by women officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, continued its global circumnavigation mission.
Science & Technology
- At the CII Annual Business Summit 2026, India and Singapore launched a NextGen Product Innovation Lab focused on AI safety, digital twins, and cyber defence.
- Karnataka launched the Kartavya-KAAMS attendance system for government school staff monitoring.
- India’s solar power capacity crossed 150 GW, making India the world’s third-largest solar energy producer.
Sports
- Virat Kohli scored his 9th IPL century, helping RCB defeat Kolkata Knight Riders by 6 wickets in IPL 2026.
- Gujarat Titans defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 82 runs in IPL 2026; Kagiso Rabada was Player of the Match.
- India’s U-17 women’s football team prepared for the AFC Asian Cup quarterfinal against China.
- Bangladesh formed a committee to investigate withdrawal from the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
Global Observance
- International Day of Plant Health (12 May) continued to be observed globally to promote food security, biodiversity protection, and sustainable agriculture.
Miscellaneous One-Liners Current Affairs
- West Bengal announced the “Annapurna Bhandaar” scheme, providing ₹3,000 monthly aid to eligible women.
- Uttar Pradesh declared the film “Krishnavataram Part 1” tax-free.
- Delhi launched pilot testing of a Barrier-Free Toll Collection System.
- PLFS Q4 FY26 reported India’s Labour Force Participation Rate at 55.5%.
- Odisha inaugurated the Bhimmandali Eco Heritage Site in Sambalpur district.
- Maharashtra ordered a judicial inquiry into the Bargi Dam cruise accident.
- Jammu & Kashmir authorities banned Rapido operations over regulatory issues.
