Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (14th April, 2026)

State News

Samrat Choudhary to take oath as Bihar CM after Nitish Kumar’s resignation

• Nitish Kumar resigned as Chief Minister of Bihar on April 14, 2026, ending over two decades in office and marking a major political shift in the state India
• Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary is set to take oath as the new Chief Minister, signaling a leadership transition backed by the ruling coalition and BJP support today
• Nitish Kumar’s tenure since 2005 is remembered for improvements in infrastructure, governance, law and order, and social welfare schemes across Bihar widely
• The change marks the end of an era in Bihar politics, reshaping alliances and opening a new phase of governance in the state today

International News

Susan Coyle appointed first female Army Chief of Australian Defence Force

• Susan Coyle has been appointed as the first-ever female Army Chief of Australia, marking a historic milestone in April 2026, with her tenure set to begin in July.
• Currently serving as Chief of Joint Capabilities, she brings nearly four decades of military experience since joining the army in 1987.
• The announcement by Anthony Albanese reflects a significant shift toward inclusive leadership and recognition of women’s contributions in defence.
• Her appointment comes amid ongoing efforts to address gender representation and workplace challenges within the Australian Defence Force, aiming for a more diverse and modern military.

Economy News

India’s retail inflation rises to 3.4% in March 2026, says National Statistics Office

• India’s retail inflation rose to 3.4% in March 2026 from 3.21% in February, according to the National Statistics Office, reflecting a moderate increase in consumer prices.
• Measured by the Consumer Price Index, the rise was mainly driven by higher food prices, including vegetables and commodities like copra and jewellery items.
• Global factors such as West Asia tensions also contributed by impacting supply chains, logistics, and commodity costs.
• Despite the uptick, inflation remains within the Reserve Bank of India target range of 4% ± 2%, indicating overall price stability in the economy.

Appointment News

Sunil Bajpai takes over as Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, Tamil Nadu & Puducherry

• Sunil Bajpai assumed charge as Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax for Tamil Nadu & Puducherry on April 10, 2026, marking a key milestone in his distinguished career in the Income Tax Department.
• A 1990-batch officer of the Indian Revenue Service, he brings strong academic credentials, including degrees from IIT Kanpur, IIT Delhi, and IIM Lucknow, along with a law degree.
• Over his career, he has held key positions such as Additional Director in the Directorate of Systems, Principal Additional Director General at NADT Lucknow, and Chief Commissioner of Income Tax in Mumbai.
• He has also served in strategic roles at institutions like the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the National Security Council Secretariat, reflecting his diverse administrative experience.

Awards News

Banaras Hindu University Wins National Moot Court Competition in India

• Banaras Hindu University emerged as the winner of the AIU National Moot Court Competition 2026 held at Integral University, securing ₹25,000 along with trophies and medals.
• The event saw participation from 40 teams nationwide, with Chandigarh University finishing as runner-up, highlighting the competition’s high standards and prestige.
• Special awards were won by institutions like Dr Ram Manohar Lohia National Law University, Army Institute of Law, and Aligarh Muslim University, while Mallika Chadha of Lovely Professional University was named Best Speaker.
• Held from April 9–11, the competition tested legal research, advocacy, and courtroom skills, emphasizing the importance of moot courts in developing practical legal expertise.

Who is Anita Chaudhary? Conservation work, anti-poaching efforts and WWF award explained

• Anita Chaudhary has become a symbol of courage and conservation after rescuing nearly 500 animals since 2021 while posted at Shergarh Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Serving for nearly a decade, she has actively worked to curb poaching, illegal mining, and wildlife smuggling while also managing human–wildlife conflict situations.
• Her efforts include handling high-risk rescues, protecting species like crocodiles and leopards, registering over 50 FIRs, and improving habitat conditions through water conservation measures.
• Recently honoured with the WWF “Machchli National Award,” she is recognised for her bravery, grassroots conservation work, and contribution to protecting fragile ecosystems.

Science & Technology News

What is SARAL AI? New tool to Convert Research Papers into Simple Multilingual Content

• Jitendra Singh announced that the Anusandhan National Research Foundation is developing SARAL AI, an AI-powered platform to simplify complex research into easy, multilingual content for the public.
• SARAL AI will convert research papers and patents into short videos, podcasts, and social media-friendly formats in 18 Indian languages, making science more accessible and engaging.
• The initiative aims to bridge the gap between scientific innovation and society by promoting awareness, inclusivity, and evidence-based understanding among citizens.

Sports News

Sawan Barwal Breaks 48-Year-Old Indian Marathon Record at Rotterdam Marathon 2026

• Sawan Barwal created history by breaking India’s longest-standing marathon national record at the NN Marathon Rotterdam on April 12, 2026.
• He clocked 2:11:58, surpassing the 48-year-old record of 2:12:00 set by Shivnath Singh in 1978, marking a landmark moment in Indian athletics.
• Barwal finished 20th in the elite category, with the performance reflecting India’s improving training standards and growing competitiveness in long-distance running.
• Coming from a rural background in Himachal Pradesh, his achievement highlights the rise of emerging Indian talent on the global athletics stage.

Mitchell Starc and Deepti Sharma named Wisden’s Leading Cricketers in the World for 2025

• Mitchell Starc and Deepti Sharma have been named Leading Cricketers in the World by the Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack for their outstanding performances in 2025.
• Starc dominated Test cricket with 55 wickets and played a key role in Australia’s Ashes victory, showcasing elite pace bowling even at 36.
• Deepti Sharma starred in India’s Women’s ODI World Cup triumph with 215 runs and 22 wickets, earning Player of the Tournament for her all-round brilliance.
• Indian players like Shubman Gill, Ravindra Jadeja, and Rishabh Pant were also honoured, highlighting India’s strong presence in global cricket.

Important Days News

Ambedkar Jayanti 2026: Celebrating the life and vision of the architect of the Indian Constitution

• Every year on April 14, India celebrates Ambedkar Jayanti to honour B. R. Ambedkar, a visionary leader and chief architect of the Indian Constitution.
• The day highlights his lifelong struggle for equality, social justice, and empowerment of marginalized communities, shaping modern India’s democratic values.
• Born in 1891, he rose above discrimination to become a scholar, reformer, and India’s first Law Minister, advocating education, rights, and inclusive growth.
• Observed with tributes, rallies, and discussions, the occasion inspires people to follow his ideals of justice, dignity, and building a fair society.

Baisakhi 2026: India Celebrates Harvest Festival and Khalsa Panth Foundation Day

• Baisakhi will be celebrated on April 14, 2026, marking a major harvest festival and the Punjabi New Year, especially in Punjab.
• The day holds deep religious significance for Sikhs as it commemorates the formation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh.
• Baisakhi celebrates prosperity, gratitude, and new beginnings, reflecting both agricultural success and spiritual values like equality, courage, and service.
• It is observed with gurdwara visits, prayers, Nagar Kirtans, traditional performances like Gatka, and community service such as Langar, strengthening cultural and social unity.

Tamil New Year Celebrated as Puthandu 2026 Marks Start of New Calendar Year

• Puthandu, also known as Tamil New Year, will be celebrated on April 14, 2026, marking the beginning of the Tamil calendar year as the Sun enters Mesha (Aries).
• Widely observed in Tamil Nadu, the festival symbolizes new beginnings, prosperity, and hope, with families coming together for prayers, rituals, and celebrations.
• Traditional customs include viewing the auspicious “Kanni,” visiting temples, wearing new clothes, and preparing special dishes like mango pachadi representing life’s varied experiences.
• Puthandu reflects Tamil culture, heritage, and values of gratitude, unity, and positivity, encouraging people to welcome the new year with optimism and spiritual growth.

Current Affairs Today | 14th April 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam