Current Affairs for May 15, 2026

MSP for Kharif Crops 2026-27: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by PM Modi, approved an increase in the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops. The highest absolute increases were recommended for Sunflower seeds (₹622), Cotton (₹557), and Sesamum (₹500).  

₹37,500 Crore Coal Gasification Scheme: The Union Cabinet approved a major scheme to promote Surface Coal/Lignite Gasification projects. The initiative aims to produce 100 million tonnes of coal gas by 2030, reducing dependence on imported LNG and supporting clean energy.  

Unified Bharat e-Charge (UBC) Platform: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy unveiled the UBC platform, a national unified electric vehicle (EV) charging portal. Additionally, the installation of 1,243 EV charging stations in Karnataka was approved.  

Mizoram Ginger Mission: Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Mizoram CM Lalduhoma launched the ₹189.79 crore Mizoram Ginger Mission. This convergence-led initiative focuses on ginger cultivation and establishing a robust value chain for farmers in the Northeast.  

IP Catalyst Initiative Launched: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Intellectual Property (IP) Catalyst initiative and a digital platform (cipie.in) to accelerate the commercialization of patents into electronic products.

India Included in EU Aquaculture List: The European Union has included India in its revised draft list for the continued export of aquaculture products to the EU market, providing a significant boost to India's seafood export sector.

First Mega Greenfield Shipyard in Tamil Nadu: A tripartite MoU was signed between the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, HD Korea Shipbuilding, and NSHIP-TN to establish a mega shipyard at Thoothukudi, aiming to make India a global shipbuilding hub.  

DCP Arrested in Kolkata: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Kolkata Police DCP Shantanu Sinha Biswas for allegedly running an extortion syndicate, highlighting ongoing investigations into administrative corruption.

Mt. Everest Season Update: A total of 492 climbers, including 95 Indians, have been cleared to scale Mount Everest this season, reflecting continued interest in high-altitude mountaineering.

Fuel Prices Hiked: In a major move affecting daily logistics, petrol and diesel prices were hiked by ₹3 per litre effective May 15, as Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) adjusted to high global crude prices and geopolitical tensions.