Current Affairs for May 14, 2026

 PM Modi’s Five-Nation Tour Begins: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a 5-day tour (May 15–20) covering the UAE, Netherlands, Sweden, Norway, and Italy. The first leg in Abu Dhabi will focus on strategic energy security and advancing the India-UAE Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.  

BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (May 14-15): India is hosting the high-level meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Dr. S. Jaishankar. A key highlight is the session "BRICS@20: Building for Resilience, Innovation, Cooperation, and Sustainability," and discussions on global governance reforms.  

India’s First Integrated Carbon Capture (CCUS) Lab: Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the country’s first end-to-end pilot-scale CCUS facility at IIT Bombay. This laboratory integrates carbon capture with geological CO2 sequestration in basalt formations.  

CBI Director Praveen Sood Gets Extension: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) approved a one-year extension for CBI Director Praveen Sood, extending his tenure until May 24, 2027.  

NEET-UG Reform Committee Report: The K. Radhakrishnan Committee submitted its report, identifying local transport and storage as weak links in exam conduct. It recommended transitioning to a computer-based/hybrid mode to minimize paper leak risks.  

Bharat Maritime Insurance Pool (BMIP) Launched: The Ministry of Finance launched a $1.5 billion pool (with a $1.4 billion sovereign guarantee) to reduce Indian vessels' dependence on foreign insurers for risks like oil pollution and wreck removal.  

AI-Enabled Block-Level Monsoon Forecasting: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) launched India's first AI-based hyperlocal forecasting system, developed with IITM. It provides impact-based monsoon forecasts up to four weeks in advance.  

Hormuz Financial 'Protocol' by Iran: At the BRICS meet in Delhi, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister announced a new protocol to cover "free of charge services" provided to international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, signaling a shift in Persian Gulf navigation costs.  

Congress Defers Kerala CM Announcement: The Congress high command has deferred the decision on the next Chief Minister designate for Kerala to late May 14, following intensive discussions between Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi.  

Vijay (TVK) Wins Floor Test in Tamil Nadu: Chief Minister Vijay’s party, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), successfully proved its majority in the state assembly with 144 votes, solidifying his position as the leader of the state government.