Current Affairs - 14 April 2026

Global Trade Report 2025 (WTO)

INTERNATIONAL

Why in News:

According to the World Trade Organization, global trade showed strong performance in 2025, with exports of goods reaching $26.3 trillion, reflecting a 7% increase compared to the previous year.

Key Highlights:

Global Trade Growth:
- Total exports reached $26.3 trillion
- Growth of 7% year-on-year
Export Concentration:
- Top 10 exporting countries account for ~49.6% of global exports
- Indicates concentration of trade among a few major economies
Top 10 Exporting Countries (2025):
- China – $3,771,842 million
- United States – $2,185,220 million
- Germany – $1,764,188 million
- Netherlands – $989,237 million
- Hong Kong – $753,582 million
- Japan – $738,337 million
- Italy – $726,499 million
- South Korea – $709,330 million
- United Arab Emirates – $706,671 million
- France – $683,095 million
India’s Position:
- Rank: 19th globally
- Exports: $445,278 million
- Share: 1.7% of global exports
Major Export Items of India:
- Textiles and garments
- Pharmaceuticals (generic medicines)
- Engineering goods
- IT and services

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

India’s Election to UN ECOSOC Bodies (2026)

NATIONAL

Why in News:

India has secured unopposed victories in four key elections to bodies under the United Nations Economic and Social Council in April 2026. These elections were held by acclamation, meaning unanimous approval without opposition.

Key Highlights:

Clean Sweep by India:
- Won all four positions without contest
- Reflects strong global support and diplomatic influence
Bodies where India Secured Representation:
- Committee on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (CESCR)
- Commission on Science and Technology for Development (CSTD)
- Committee on Non-Governmental Organisations
- Committee for Programme and Coordination (CPC)
Re-election of Preeti Saran:
- Re-elected to CESCR
- Highlights India’s continued role in human rights and social development issues

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

RBI Proposal on UPI Safety Measures (2026)

NATIONAL

Why in News:

The Reserve Bank of India has proposed a 1-hour delay on UPI and bank transfers above ₹10,000 to curb rising digital frauds, which reached ₹22,930 crore in 2025, largely due to social engineering scams.

Key Highlights:

1-Hour Delay Mechanism (Lagged Credit):
- Transfers above ₹10,000 will be held for 1 hour
- Customers can cancel transactions within this period
- Banks may seek reconfirmation in suspicious cases
Purpose:
- Prevent frauds, especially real-time scam transactions
- Provide a cooling-off period for users
Trusted Person Authentication:
- Applicable for senior citizens (70+) and persons with disabilities
- Transactions above ₹50,000 require approval from a trusted nominee
Cap on High-Value Credits:
- Annual limit of around ₹25 lakh for individuals/small businesses
- Excess amount kept as “shadow balance”
- Released only after verification
Kill Switch Feature:
- Users can instantly disable all digital payment channels
- Helps stop further fraudulent transactions

Already implemented in countries like Singapore and Australia

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

BIHAR NEWS

Patna–Purnia Expressway (National Expressway-9)

BIHAR SPECIAL

Why in News:

The Union Government has granted financial approval for the Patna–Purnia Expressway (National Expressway-9), Bihar’s first high-speed corridor.

Key Highlights:

Objective:
- Reduce travel time between Patna and Purnia to around 3 hours
- Designed for speeds up to 120 km/h
Implementation Model:
- Developed under Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)
- Government share: 40%
- Private concessionaire: 60%
Project Details:
- Estimated cost: ₹32,000 crore
- Starting point: Mirnagar Areji (Hajipur, Vaishali district)
- End point: Hansdah (Purnia) connecting to East–West Corridor
Route Coverage:
- Passes through:
  - Vaishali
  - Samastipur
  - Darbhanga
  - Saharsa
  - Madhepura
  - Purnia
Connectivity Boost:
- Links with East–West Corridor
- Enhances access to eastern states like West Bengal and Assam

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

ONE LINER

FACTUAL

World Homoeopathy Day (10 April 2026) is observed to mark the birth anniversary of Samuel Hahnemann, with the theme “Homoeopathy for Sustainable Health” .
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited appoints Sanjay Khanna as Chairman and Managing Director, approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet .
Indian cricket mourns the demise of CD Gopinath, India’s oldest Test cricketer, at the age of 96 in Chennai .
Policybazaar Insurance Brokers appoints Sajja Praveen Chowdary as new CEO and Principal Officer after Tarun Mathur resignation .
N. Chandrababu Naidu will launch India’s first indigenous quantum computing testing facility in Amaravati on April 14, 2026, on World Quantum Day .

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP)

NATIONAL

Why in News:

Assam and Meghalaya have declined to procure additional power from the unallocated central pool of the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP) due to high tariffs and availability of cheaper energy alternatives.

Key Highlights:

Reason for Rejection:
- Tariff increased from < ₹2/unit to > ₹7.70/unit
- Much higher than average hydel tariff (~₹3.15/unit)
- Availability of cheaper power sources
Delay Impact:
- Construction suspended during 2011–2019
- Resulted in cost escalation and tariff rise
About SLHEP:
- Approved in 2003
- Type: Run-of-the-river hydro project
- Location: On Subansiri River (Assam–Arunachal Pradesh border)
- Capacity: 2000 MW (India’s largest hydel project)
- Status:
  - Only 3 out of 8 units (250 MW each) operational
Infrastructure & Significance:
- 116-metre-high concrete gravity dam (largest in Northeast India)
- Important for:
  - Flood control
  - Water management
  - Energy security in Northeast India

Background:

About Subansiri River:
- Known as “Gold River” (Subarnashiri)
- Largest tributary of Brahmaputra River
- Origin: Tibet (China) → flows through Arunachal Pradesh and Assam
- Joins Brahmaputra at Jamurighat (Assam)
Ecological & Strategic Importance:
- High hydropower potential due to steep Himalayan gradient
- Part of Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot
- Habitat for species like Ganges River Dolphin

Exam Relevance:

UPSC/BPSC

Padhai Marg

Turning Aspirants Into Officer's

Current Affairs – 14 April 2026

BIHAR NEWS

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