Current Affairs for Competitive Exams: 14 March 2026, Daily Roundup
14 March 2026
Current Affairs – 14 March 2026
On March 14, 2026, global tensions escalated as the West Asian conflict intensified, while India dealt with energy shortages, infrastructure developments, and political events.
National
• Connectivity Projects in West Bengal: PM Modi launched connectivity projects worth ₹18,680 crore. He laid the foundation for five sections of the 231-km Kharagpur–Moregram economic corridor, expected to cut travel time between South and North Bengal by nearly eight hours.
• LPG Crisis Measures: The government increased domestic LPG output by 25% through emergency steps. Commercial LPG distribution resumed nationwide, with raids against black marketing.
• Bihar’s New Governor: Lt Gen (Retd) Syed Ata Hasnain was sworn in as the 43rd Governor of Bihar. The oath was administered by Patna High Court Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo.
• Transgender Persons Amendment Bill, 2026: The Union Government introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha proposing the removal of self-perceived gender identity and creation of a medical board for gender certification.
• First Openly Queer MP: Menaka Guruswamy was elected unopposed as a Rajya Sabha MP from West Bengal (TMC), becoming India’s first openly queer Member of Parliament.
• Bharat-VISTAAR Platform: The Ministry of Agriculture launched this AI-based multilingual platform to provide real-time, location-specific advisory services to farmers.
International Affairs
• Fuel Ship Transit Success: India confirmed the safe passage of LPG vessels Shivalik and Nanda Devi through the conflict-hit Strait of Hormuz, carrying over 92,000 tonnes of fuel to Gujarat ports.
• UNSC Resolution: India co-sponsored a UN Security Council resolution condemning Iranian attacks on Gulf countries and Jordan, stressing regional stability.
Global Geopolitical Crisis
• Kharg Island Strike: US President Donald Trump claimed US forces destroyed Iranian military targets on Kharg Island, a major oil export hub, warning of further strikes.
• Regional Escalation: The UAE intercepted 9 missiles and 33 drones, while Bahrain reported over 300 missile and drone attacks since the conflict began.
• IEA Oil Release: IEA countries agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to stabilise global markets.
Defence
• Additive Manufacturing in Defence: The Indian Army participated in the National Additive Manufacturing Symposium 2026 in New Delhi to explore 3D printing for defence logistics and production.
• Online Crime Dialogue: Union Home Secretary Govind Mohan launched a national dialogue on online crimes against women and children, strengthening the I4C cybercrime framework.
Science & Technology
• C-DOT FraudPro: India’s AI-based fraud detection system was named a finalist at the Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards 2026.
• NASA Van Allen Probe: The Van Allen Probe A satellite will soon re-enter Earth’s atmosphere after 14 years studying radiation belts.
• New Plant Discovery: Researchers from Gauhati University discovered a new species Osbeckia zubeengargiana in Manas National Park, Assam.
• Digital Twin Port: V.O. Chidambaranar Port became the first major Indian port to implement a Digital Twin platform for real-time monitoring and operations.
Sports
• BCCI Awards: Shubman Gill is expected to be named Cricketer of the Year.
• F1 Cancellation: The FIA cancelled the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grand Prix due to regional security concerns.
Global Observance
• Pi Day: Celebrated worldwide on March 14 (3.14) to honour the mathematical constant π.
• International Day of Action for Rivers: Observed with focus on Ganga and Brahmaputra conservation in India.
Miscellaneous One-Liners
• Tamil Nadu: ₹2 per unit electricity subsidy for hotels switching from LPG to electric stoves
• Jammu & Kashmir: Farooq Abdullah survived a gun attack during a wedding in Jammu; attacker arrested.
• Maharashtra: Security increased after bomb threat calls at Mumbai’s state legislature.
• Education: NCERT released new Class 9 English textbook “Kaveri.”
• Chhattisgarh: Cabinet approved Freedom of Religion Bill targeting forced conversions and “healing congregations.”
