In Current Affairs for 14 May 2026, we will see the latest national and international current affairs news. These important current affairs will be beneficial for your upcoming NDA, CDS, CDS OTA, AFCAT, TA, Agniveer Army, Agniveer Navy, Agniveer Air Force, Women Military Police, INET, MNS, ACC exams, SCO, PCSL, CAPF, and SSB interviews, and direct entries for Army, Navy, and Air Force like SSC Tech, TGC, JAG, NCC, TES, 10+2 Cadet. Download a PDF file about current events at the end of this article. Let us now see the Current Affairs.
Current Affairs 14 May 2026
India Bans Sugar Exports to Protect Domestic Supply
India has announced an immediate ban on sugar exports until September 30, 2026, in order to safeguard domestic availability and control inflationary pressure in the country. The decision was taken by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
The government changed the export status of sugar from “restricted” to “prohibited,” effectively stopping exports of:
- raw sugar,
- white sugar,
- and refined sugar.
India is the world’s second-largest producer of sugar, and the decision is expected to influence both domestic markets and global sugar prices.
According to official estimates:
- Sugar production is expected to reach around 275 lakh tonnes,
- Opening stock stands at 50 lakh tonnes,
- Total availability is estimated at 325 lakh tonnes,
- Domestic demand is around 280 lakh tonnes,
- Expected closing stock may decline to 45 lakh tonnes.
The government acted to prevent supply shortages, as the projected closing stock is among the lowest seen in recent years. Similar low stock levels in 2016–17 had resulted in market stress and price concerns.
Yoweri Museveni Begins Seventh Presidential Term in Uganda
Yoweri Museveni has been sworn in for a seventh term as President of Uganda, extending one of the longest-serving political tenures in modern African history.
According to Uganda’s Electoral Commission, Museveni secured 71.65% of votes in the presidential election held in January 2026. His main opponent, Bobi Wine, received 24.72% of the votes.
Museveni has remained a dominant political figure in Uganda for decades, and his continued leadership reflects both his political strength and the ongoing debates surrounding democracy and governance in the country.
Rahul Dravid Becomes Owner of Dublin Franchise in ETPL
Indian cricket legend Rahul Dravid has become the owner of the Dublin franchise in the newly launched European T20 Premier League (ETPL).
The ETPL is Europe’s first ICC-sanctioned multi-country franchise T20 tournament and aims to accelerate the growth of cricket across Europe. Unlike many domestic T20 leagues focused on a single nation, ETPL involves cricket boards from:
- Ireland,
- Scotland,
- and the Netherlands.
The tournament has been launched in partnership with:
- Cricket Ireland,
- Cricket Scotland,
- and Royal Dutch Cricket Association.
The participating teams include:
- Dublin Guardians,
- Belfast franchise,
- Edinburgh franchise,
- Glasgow franchise,
- Amsterdam franchise,
- and Rotterdam franchise.
The league is expected to provide new opportunities for European cricket development and international talent exposure.
International Day of Families 2026
The world observes the International Day of Families 2026 every year on 15 May to recognise the importance of families in society and raise awareness about issues affecting family wellbeing.
The official theme for 2026 is:
“Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing”
The observance encourages governments, institutions, and communities to create policies that support stronger and healthier family structures. It also focuses on reducing inequality and improving the welfare of children globally.
India Approves Ahmedabad–Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project
India approved the Ahmedabad (Sarkhej)–Dholera Semi High-Speed Double Line Rail Project on 13 May 2026. The project is estimated to cost approximately ₹20,667 crore and will add nearly 134 kilometres of railway line in Gujarat.
The corridor is significant because it is planned as India’s first semi high-speed rail project developed using indigenous technology.
The rail line will connect:
- Ahmedabad,
- Dholera Special Investment Region,
- Dholera Airport,
- and the Lothal National Maritime Heritage Complex.
The project is designed for speeds of up to 220 kmph, while operational speed is expected to remain around 200 kmph. Travel time between Sabarmati and Dholera is expected to reduce to just 48 minutes.
The project is targeted for completion by 2030–31 and is expected to improve industrial connectivity and regional economic growth in Gujarat.
Cabinet Approves ₹37,500-Crore Coal Gasification Scheme
The Union Cabinet approved a massive ₹37,500-crore scheme to promote surface coal and lignite gasification projects across India.
Coal gasification converts coal into synthesis gas, commonly known as syngas, which contains:
- carbon monoxide,
- hydrogen,
- methane,
- carbon dioxide,
- and water vapour.
Syngas is widely used in:
- fertilisers,
- chemicals,
- fuels,
- and industrial gases.
The scheme aims to support gasification of nearly 75 million tonnes of coal and lignite while attracting investments worth ₹2.5–3 lakh crore. It is also expected to generate approximately 50,000 jobs.
India currently depends heavily on imports for:
- liquefied natural gas,
- ammonia,
- methanol,
- and urea.
The gasification initiative is expected to reduce import dependency while strengthening the energy and fertiliser sectors.
N. Rangasamy Sworn in as Puducherry Chief Minister
N. Rangasamy took oath as the Chief Minister of Puducherry for the fifth time on 13 May 2026.
The oath ceremony was conducted by Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan at Lok Nivas in Puducherry.
Rangasamy leads the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in the Union Territory. The alliance includes:
- All India N.R. Congress,
- Bharatiya Janata Party,
- AIADMK,
- and Latchiya Jananayaga Katchi.
Puducherry remains one of India’s few Union Territories with a legislative assembly and follows a parliamentary system under the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963.
India-Oman CEPA to Begin from June 1
India and Oman have finalised the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which is expected to come into force on 1 June 2026.
The agreement was originally signed in December 2025 and later ratified by Oman through a Royal decree in February 2026.
Under the agreement:
- India will receive duty-free access for 98% of its exports to Oman,
- while India will reduce tariffs on selected Omani products.
Major Indian exports benefiting from the agreement include:
- textiles,
- leather products,
- and agricultural goods.
Products from Oman receiving tariff benefits include:
- dates,
- marble,
- and petrochemical products.
Bilateral trade between India and Oman reached approximately US$10.61 billion during FY 2024–25. The agreement is expected to strengthen trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two countries.
Review Questions
1. India imposed a ban on sugar exports until:
A. December 2026
B. March 2027
C. September 30, 2026
D. January 2027
Answer: C. September 30, 2026
Explanation: India banned sugar exports till September 30, 2026, to protect domestic supply and control inflation.
2. Which organisation changed India’s sugar export policy from “restricted” to “prohibited”?
A. RBI
B. NITI Aayog
C. DGFT
D. SEBI
Answer: C. DGFT
Explanation: The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) implemented the export ban policy.
3. Yoweri Museveni was sworn in for which term as Uganda’s President?
A. Fifth
B. Sixth
C. Seventh
D. Eighth
Answer: C. Seventh
Explanation: Museveni began his seventh term, extending one of Africa’s longest political tenures.
4. Who became the owner of the Dublin franchise in the European T20 Premier League (ETPL)?
A. Virat Kohli
B. Rahul Dravid
C. MS Dhoni
D. Rohit Sharma
Answer: B. Rahul Dravid
Explanation: Rahul Dravid became the owner of the Dublin franchise in the ETPL.
5. The official theme of the International Day of Families 2026 is:
A. Families and Global Peace
B. Families for Sustainable Future
C. Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing
D. Healthy Families, Healthy Nations
Answer: C. Families, Inequalities and Child Wellbeing
Explanation: This theme focuses on inequality and the wellbeing of children within families.
6. India’s first indigenous semi high-speed rail project will connect Ahmedabad with:
A. Surat
B. Rajkot
C. Dholera
D. Gandhinagar
Answer: C. Dholera
Explanation: The Ahmedabad–Dholera Semi High-Speed Rail Project was approved in May 2026.
7. The Ahmedabad–Dholera rail corridor is designed for a maximum speed of:
A. 160 kmph
B. 180 kmph
C. 200 kmph
D. 220 kmph
Answer: D. 220 kmph
Explanation: The project is designed for speeds up to 220 kmph.
8. Coal gasification converts coal into:
A. Biofuel
B. Syngas
C. Ethanol
D. Hydrogen peroxide
Answer: B. Syngas
Explanation: Coal gasification produces synthesis gas (syngas), used in chemicals and fuels.
9. N. Rangasamy took oath as the Chief Minister of Puducherry for the:
A. Third time
B. Fourth time
C. Fifth time
D. Sixth time
Answer: C. Fifth time
Explanation: N. Rangasamy became the Chief Minister of Puducherry for the fifth time.
10. Under the India-Oman CEPA, India will receive duty-free access for what percentage of exports to Oman?
A. 75%
B. 85%
C. 90%
D. 98%
Answer: D. 98%
Explanation: The CEPA agreement provides India duty-free access for 98% of its exports to Oman.
