This is the current affairs 14 April 2026. Here are questions and answers of daily current affairs for better preparation of competitive exams for government jobs.
1. To strengthen its digital sovereignty, onto which operating system did France decide to migrate its government computers from the American company’s Windows?
a. Linux
b. Aurora OS
c. Deepin
d. OpenSUSE
Answer: a. Linux
– The French government has indicated a major shift in its public sector technological infrastructure (Tech Stack).
– France is planning to migrate its government computers from Windows to Linux (an open-source operating system).
– This move reflects a global trend of reducing dependence on American software companies and strengthening digital sovereignty.
– As a major country in the European Union, France’s recent initiative toward technological autonomy signals a significant shift in global geopolitics.
Reasons behind this shift
– Political instability: Due to leadership changes in the United States and “America First” policies, European allies fear that American technology could be used as a geopolitical weapon (such as sanctions or tariffs).
– Legal risks: Laws like the U.S. CLOUD Act give the American government the power to access data held by U.S. companies, even if that data is stored abroad (such as in France).
– Economic control: To safeguard public budgets from sudden price increases (pricing power) and forced upgrades imposed by private companies.
France’s ‘Digital Self-Reliance’ Mission
– France’s digital agency DINUM will initiate this migration.
– Objective: To reduce dependence on American Big Tech and gain control over data, infrastructure, and strategic decision-making.
– France’s Minister for Digital Technology stated that digital sovereignty is not an option but a strategic necessity.
Key Initiatives
– Linux switchover: France’s digital agency (DINUM) is shifting its workstations from Windows to Linux to eliminate risks associated with licensing models and “backdoor access.”
– Indigenous tool ‘Visio’: To ensure privacy, France has adopted Visio (based on the open-source platform Jitsi) instead of Microsoft Teams.
– Data sovereignty: Plans are underway to migrate health data platforms and other sensitive infrastructure to “Trusted Cloud” providers governed by European laws.
Eight Strategic Categories
– Workstations and OS (transition to Linux)
– Collaboration and communication tools (use of indigenous ‘Visio’ instead of Microsoft Teams)
– Antivirus and security software
– Artificial Intelligence (AI) and algorithms
– Databases and storage
– Virtualization and cloud infrastructure
– Network and telecommunications equipment
– Migration of health data platforms
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2. India withdrew its proposal to host COP33, the UN’s annual climate change conference. In which year was it scheduled to take place?
a. 2028
b. 2026
c. 2027
d. 2029
Answer: a. 2028
What is COP?
– COP stands for “Conference of the Parties.”
– It is the largest annual conference held under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
– Countries from around the world discuss strategies, targets, and policies to tackle climate change.
– Each year, the conference is hosted by a different country.
India withdrew its bid
– India had an opportunity to emerge as a global climate leader but withdrew its bid on April 8, 2026.
– In a letter dated April 2 to the UNFCCC, Joint Secretary Rajat Agarwal stated that India is “withdrawing its candidacy for 2028.”
– This decision is considered significant in terms of global climate diplomacy.
– During COP28 held in Dubai in 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had proposed that India would host COP33 in 2028.
– He highlighted India’s growing role and leadership in the global fight against climate change.
– India had been actively preparing for the event.
– In July 2025, India’s Environment Ministry had formed a “COP33 Cell.”
– This cell was tasked with handling professional and logistical requirements for the 2028 summit.
Now, India has withdrawn its proposal.
– After India’s withdrawal, South Korea remains the only country that has expressed interest in hosting COP33.
NDC Announcement
– On March 25, India announced its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), committing to:
Achieve 60% of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil sources by 2035
– Reduce emissions intensity of GDP by 47%
– Increase carbon sink to 3.5–4 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent
How hosting is decided
– Hosting rotates among five UN regional groups: African States, Asia-Pacific States, Eastern European States, Latin American and Caribbean States, and Western European and Others.
– India belongs to the Asia-Pacific group.
– COP31 (2026) will be co-hosted by Türkiye and Australia.
– COP 2027 will be held in Ethiopia.
– India has hosted COP only once, in 2002.
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3. India’s Stage-2 nuclear program, the ‘Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor’ (PFBR), has achieved ‘criticality’; where is it located?
a. Kakrapar (Gujarat)
b. Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu)
c. Kudankulam (Tamil Nadu)
d. Narora (Uttar Pradesh)
Answer: b. Kalpakkam (Tamil Nadu)
– India has achieved a new milestone in nuclear energy.
– The PFBR at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu has achieved “criticality.”
– This means the nuclear reaction has become self-sustaining and is moving toward power generation.
– The 500 MW PFBR developed by BHAVINI is now ready for commercial production.
– It was designed by the Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR).
– It took more than two decades since approval in 2003 to reach this stage.
– India has now entered Stage-2 of its nuclear program.
– Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced this on April 6, 2026.
– Over 80% indigenous technology has been used.
– Currently, only Russia and China have fast breeder reactors; India could become the third.
Meaning of ‘Criticality’
– It is the stage when a nuclear chain reaction becomes self-sustaining.
– Neutrons released from fission are sufficient to sustain further reactions.
Three-Stage Nuclear Program
– Designed by Homi J. Bhabha to utilize thorium reserves for energy independence.
Stage-wise:
– Stage 1: PHWR – Natural uranium – Produces plutonium
– Stage 2: Fast Breeder Reactor – Plutonium + uranium – More energy + more plutonium
– Stage 3: Thorium-based reactor – Thorium – Long-term energy independence
Key concept
– Plutonium is artificially produced in reactors.
– Thorium is converted into uranium-233 using plutonium.
– This creates a fuel cycle for higher energy output.
Breeder reactor advantage
Produces more fuel than it consumes.
Uses spent fuel from Stage-1.
Improves uranium utilization from 1% to over 10%.
Technical challenge: Liquid sodium coolant
– Sodium absorbs heat efficiently and does not slow neutrons.
– Works at high temperature without high pressure.
– Risk: Reacts violently with air and water.
Why important for India
– Rising electricity demand
– Huge thorium reserves
– Clean energy for net-zero target by 2070
– High power generation with less land
Risks
– Nuclear disasters (Chernobyl, Fukushima, Three Mile Island)
– Long-term radioactive waste problem
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Q. In the context of the ‘Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor’ (PFBR) achieving ‘criticality’, what is the correct meaning of this term?
a. The reactor reaching its full electricity generation capacity (500 MW)
b. The nuclear chain reaction becoming safely self-sustaining
c. The reactor starting commercial electricity production using thorium
d. The reactor core overheating and melting
Answer: b. The nuclear chain reaction becoming safely self-sustaining
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Q. Who designed the ‘Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor’ (PFBR)?
a. DRDO
b. ISRO
c. IGCAR
d. HAL
Answer: c. IGCAR
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Q. What is the primary advantage of using ‘liquid sodium’ as a coolant in the PFBR?
a. It slows down (moderates) neutrons
b. It is much cheaper and more easily available than heavy water
c. It efficiently absorbs heat at high temperatures and does not require high pressure
d. It remains completely inert when exposed to air and water
Answer: c. It efficiently absorbs heat at high temperatures and does not require high pressure
(Sodium keeps neutrons “fast” and has very high heat transfer capacity.)
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4. Where was the first edition of the Indian Navy ‘Commanders’ Conference 2026’ held?
a. West Bengal
b. New Delhi
c. Kerala
d. Bengaluru
Answer: b. New Delhi
– The first edition was held in New Delhi from April 14 to April 16.
– Top Navy commanders discussed maritime security, operational preparedness, and strategic direction.
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5. Which scientist of Indian origin was selected for the prestigious research position of ‘Governor’s Chair’ in the United States?
a. Dr. Swati Mohan
b. Amit Kshatriya
c. Deep Jariwala
d. Gurtej Sandhu
Answer: c. Deep Jariwala
– He will assume the position from 2027.
– Currently a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.
Selected for UT-ORNL Governor’s Chair for Quantum Devices.
– It is a joint program of the University of Tennessee and Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
– It is considered one of the most prestigious scientific positions in the U.S.
– He will teach, guide students, and lead advanced research.
– Part of the U.S. Quantum Technology Strategy.
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6. Susan Coyle became the first female chief of which country’s army?
a. East Timor
b. Indonesia
c. New Zealand
d. Australia
Answer: d. Australia
– First woman in 125-year history.
– Will take charge from July 2026.
– Women currently form about 21% of the Australian Defence Force.
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7. When was Jallianwala Bagh Massacre Day observed?
a. 13 April
b. 14 April
c. 12 April
d. 15 April
Answer: a. 13 April
– On April 13, 1919, thousands gathered in Amritsar.
General Dyer ordered firing.
– Hundreds were killed and over a thousand injured.
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8. Which sports will be included in the 2030 Commonwealth Games (CWG)?
a. Football and Basketball
b. Hockey and Cricket
c. Volleyball and Cricket
d. Handball and Cricket
Answer: b. Hockey and Cricket
– Host city: Ahmedabad
– Total of 17 sports expected
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9. When is CRPF Valour Day celebrated?
a. 10 April
b. 9 April
c. 8 April
d. 7 April
Answer: b. 9 April
– Marks 1965 battle in Kutch
– CRPF defeated Pakistani forces
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10. When is the International Day of Human Space Flight celebrated?
a. 11 April
b. 12 April
c. 13 April
d. 14 April
Answer: b. 12 April
– Marks Yuri Gagarin’s historic spaceflight in 1961
Declared by the United Nations
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