Daily Current Affairs and GK Updates (15th April, 2026)

National News

Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 Announced: ₹10,000 Crore Boost for Deep-Tech and Early-Stage Startups

• Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0 has been launched by the Government of India with a ₹10,000 crore corpus to strengthen the country’s startup ecosystem and boost innovation.
• Implemented under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the scheme invests in SEBI-registered AIFs, which then fund startups across sectors instead of direct government funding.
• The initiative focuses on deep-tech, early-stage ventures, innovative manufacturing, and sector-agnostic investments, promoting technology-driven and research-intensive startups.
• Managed by Small Industries Development Bank of India, it aims to enhance venture capital access, support long-term growth, and accelerate India’s innovation-driven economy.

Economic Corridor Between Delhi and Dehradun Inaugurated By PM Modi: A New Era for Regional Development

• Narendra Modi inaugurated the Delhi–Dehradun Economic Corridor, marking a major boost to India’s infrastructure and regional connectivity.
• The corridor is designed to reduce travel time between Delhi and Uttarakhand while improving trade, tourism, logistics, and employment opportunities.
• It provides better access to key destinations like Haridwar, Rishikesh, Mussoorie, and the Char Dham pilgrimage sites, supporting economic and spiritual tourism growth.
• The project also includes an elevated wildlife corridor for environmental protection, reflecting a balance between development and ecological sustainability.

Lok Sabha Expansion Plan: What the Proposed Constitutional Amendment Could Change in India’s Political Structure

• Union Government of India has proposed the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty First Amendment) Bill, 2026, aiming to significantly reshape parliamentary representation and the delimitation process in India.
• The bill seeks to increase the strength of the Lok Sabha from 543 to up to 850 members and revise Article 81 to improve representation in line with population growth.
• It also proposes removing the restriction linking delimitation to the post-2026 Census, allowing earlier redrawing of constituencies and faster implementation of women’s reservation in legislatures.
• The changes are expected to modernize electoral representation, with the Delimitation Commission of India playing a key role in restructuring constituencies and seat allocation.

State News

Samrat Choudhary Sworn In As The New CM Of the Bihar

• Samrat Choudhary has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Bihar, becoming the first BJP leader to hold the post after Nitish Kumar resigned, marking a historic political shift.
• The oath ceremony in Patna was attended by NDA leaders, with Bijendra Prasad Yadav and Vijay Kumar Choudhary sworn in as Deputy Chief Ministers.
• This transition highlights BJP’s rise to leadership in Bihar, while JD(U) continues as a key alliance partner within the NDA.
• It also marks the end of Nitish Kumar’s long political era and signals a new phase in Bihar’s governance and coalition politics.

International News

Donald Trump unveils plan for ‘Arc de Trump’ Monument in Washington, DC

• Donald Trump has proposed a massive 250-foot monument called the “Arc de Trump” in Washington, D.C., envisioned as a grand symbol of national pride and tribute to American heroes.
• Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, the design includes gold accents, large sculptures like eagles and lions, and elements resembling the Statue of Liberty.
• The proposal is under review by the Commission of Fine Arts and may involve public funding through institutions like the National Endowment for the Humanities.
• However, the plan has sparked debate over costs, urban planning, and historical preservation, making its approval and future uncertain.

Business News

PPFAS Asset Management Gets PFRDA Approval to Manage National Pension System (NPS) Funds

• PPFAS Asset Management Private Limited has received approval from the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority to manage funds under the National Pension System, marking its entry into India’s retirement savings sector.
• The move allows PPFAS to set up a dedicated pension fund entity and expand beyond equity-focused investing into long-term retirement portfolio management with disciplined, stable strategies.
• According to CEO Neil Parag Parikh, the focus will be on managing retirement savings with consistency, investor discipline, and long-term value creation for subscribers.
• This development comes as NPS grows in popularity in India due to tax benefits, market-linked returns, and new fee structures designed to improve cost efficiency and transparency.

Appointments News

FICCI Names Anant Swarup as Secretary General, Takes Charge from April 14, 2026

• Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) has appointed Anant Swarup as its new Secretary General, effective April 14, 2026, bringing over three decades of experience in policy, trade, and governance.
• A 1992-batch IRPS officer, he has held key roles in the Department of Commerce, WTO, and trade regulation, strengthening his global and domestic expertise.
• His leadership is expected to boost FICCI’s role in policy advocacy, industry-government coordination, and navigating global economic challenges.
• The appointment comes at a crucial time as India focuses on expanding trade, strengthening supply chains, and accelerating economic growth.

Economy News

IMF Raises India Growth Forecast to 6.5% for FY27, Citing Strong Domestic Performance

• International Monetary Fund has raised India’s growth forecast for FY27 to 6.5%, reflecting strong domestic demand, steady economic performance, and resilient sectoral growth.
• The revision highlights India’s continued position as one of the fastest-growing major economies, supported by improved trade conditions and strong economic momentum.
• At the same time, the IMF warned that geopolitical tensions in West Asia could disrupt energy markets, push up oil prices, and create global inflationary pressures.
• While global growth is projected to slow to 3.1% in 2026, India’s inflation outlook remains stable within the Reserve Bank of India target range, supporting continued growth stability.

Sports News

Sanju Samson Wins ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2026 After T20 World Cup Heroics

• Sanju Samson has been named ICC Men’s Player of the Month for March 2026 following his match-winning performances in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026.
• He scored 321 runs in the tournament, including 275 runs in March at an exceptional average and strike rate, playing a key role in India’s title-winning campaign.
• His crucial innings, including an unbeaten 97 against West Indies and impactful knocks in knockout matches, helped India secure consecutive T20 World Cup titles.
• From being a backup player to becoming Player of the Tournament, Samson’s journey highlights resilience, consistency, and the ability to perform under pressure.

Melie Kerr Wins ICC Women’s Player of the Month for March 2026

• Melie Kerr, captain of the New Zealand women’s team, has been named ICC Women’s Player of the Month for March 2026, winning the award for the third time.
• She delivered a dominant all-round performance against Zimbabwe, taking 16 wickets in three ODIs, including a career-best 7/34, along with valuable runs.
• Kerr also excelled in the T20I series against South Africa, scoring 276 runs and maintaining remarkable consistency with multiple 30+ scores.
• Her performances have cemented her position as the top-ranked ICC Women’s T20I all-rounder, strengthening the team under her leadership after succeeding Sophie Devine.

Science & Technology News

Andhra Pradesh CM Chandrababu Naidu Launches AQRF to Boost India’s Quantum Technology Ecosystem

• Amaravati Quantum Reference Facility (AQRF), launched by N. Chandrababu Naidu, is India’s first indigenously developed open-access quantum computing platform aimed at boosting domestic innovation and self-reliance.
• It features India-built quantum systems like Amaravati 1S and 1Q, supporting research, testing, and manufacturing while reducing dependence on foreign technology.
• Developed with institutions like Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, Indian Institute of Science, and DRDO, it strengthens India’s quantum ecosystem.
• Aligned with the National Quantum Mission, AQRF positions India as a global player in advanced computing, with applications in defence, healthcare, and emerging technologies.

Important Days News

Bohag Bihu 2026: Significance, Traditions, and Why It Marks the Assamese New Year

• Bohag Bihu, also known as Rongali Bihu, begins on April 14, 2026, marking the Assamese New Year and the arrival of spring in Assam.
• Celebrated over seven days, it includes rituals like Goru Bihu (cattle worship), Manuh Bihu (family celebrations), and Gosai Bihu (devotional prayers), reflecting agricultural and cultural traditions.
• Rooted in the heritage of the Brahmaputra Valley, the festival symbolizes new beginnings, fertility, and prosperity linked to the sowing season.
• With vibrant Bihu dance, music using dhol and pepa, and community feasts, it showcases Assamese cultural pride, unity, and joyful celebration.

Pohela Boishakh 2026: Bengali New Year Celebrated on April 15 Across West Bengal

• Pohela Boishakh 2026 will be celebrated on April 15, marking the Bengali New Year 1433 across West Bengal, Bangladesh, and global Bengali communities.
• It symbolizes new beginnings, cultural unity, and the arrival of spring, with traditions rooted in the historical Bengali calendar.
• Celebrations include rituals, alpona art, new clothes, prayers, and the famous Haal Khata tradition along with festive foods and sweets.
• The festival reflects Bengali cultural heritage, agricultural renewal, and social harmony, spreading joy and togetherness among people worldwide.

Himachal Day 2026: Formation of Himachal Pradesh and the Legacy of 1948 Explained

• Himachal Day 2026 will be observed on April 15 to mark the formation of Himachal Pradesh in 1948 after the merger of several princely states.
• It represents the unification of regions like Chamba, Mandi, and Sirmaur into a single administrative unit after India’s independence.
• The state later became a Union Territory in 1950 and achieved full statehood in 1971, shaping its modern identity and governance.
• The day is celebrated with official events and cultural programs, highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s progress, heritage, and development.

Current Affairs Today | 15th April 2026 Current Affairs | Daily Current Affairs By Ashish Gautam