Daily Current Affairs – 13 May 2026

Preparing for competitive exams like UPSC, SSC, Banking, and Railways requires staying updated with the latest happenings. Today's current affairs for 13 May 2026 cover significant national, international, and economic developments crucial for your exam preparation.

National Current Affairs

• Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP): Launched on 12 May 2026 in New Delhi, the BMIP aims to provide insurance for Indian vessels on international routes, reducing dependency on foreign insurers and enhancing maritime security.
• India-Oman CEPA: The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between India and Oman is set to come into force on 1 June 2026, facilitating trade in goods and services.
• Defence Roadmap 2047: The Indian Government unveiled a strategic plan for a self-reliant military by 2047, focusing on indigenous production and cyber-space domains.
• Tariff Hike on Precious Metals: India increased the effective import duty on gold and silver to 15% (10% basic customs duty + cesses) to manage the current account deficit.
• Judicial Appointments & Reforms: The SC Collegium recommended nine lawyers for the Calcutta High Court. Meanwhile, CJI Surya Kant initiated a panel for a national judicial infrastructure overhaul.
• Administrative & Legal Updates: The West Bengal government ended post-retirement extensions for 243 officials. In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court stated that a wife’s career ambition is not 'cruelty' in matrimonial disputes.

International News

• US-Iran Relations: President Donald Trump described the current US-Iran ceasefire arrangement as being on "massive life support," indicating high regional tension.
• Pakistan's Geopolitics: Reports suggest Pakistan allowed Iranian aircraft parking to avoid US strikes. Additionally, Pakistan extended austerity measures until 13 June due to an oil crisis.
• UK Political Climate: PM Keir Starmer faces internal pressure following poor local election results.
• Israel Anti-Terror Law: Israel has enacted a law allowing the death penalty for those linked to the 7 October terror attacks.
• Trade & Environment: The EU plans to restrict animal product imports from Brazil starting September 2026 over environmental concerns.

Economy & Banking Awareness

The hike in gold import tariffs to 15% is a major economic move aimed at curbing bullion imports. The launch of the Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) is a milestone for the insurance sector, while the India-Oman CEPA is expected to boost petrochemical and logistics investments.

Science, Technology & Environment

• Monsoon Forecast: The IMD announced the southwest monsoon is likely to advance over the Bay of Bengal and Andaman & Nicobar Islands this weekend.
• AI Accountability: A lawsuit in the US against OpenAI highlights growing concerns over AI governance and its role in real-world security.

Sports Updates & Important Days

• Cricket (IPL 2026): Gujarat Titans climbed to the top of the table after defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad by 82 runs.
• Badminton: Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty secured a victory at the Thailand Open.
• Weightlifting: Gandhinagar hosted the Asian Weightlifting Championships with 29 participating nations.
• Important Day: World Press Freedom Day was observed on 3 May 2026 to advocate for media independence.