Updates on 15 April 2026
All of April 2026 →Samrat Choudhary Takes Oath as Bihar's 21st Chief Minister
On April 15, 2026, Samrat Choudhary was sworn in as the 21st Chief Minister of Bihar, marking the first time the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has directly led the state government. His appointment ended Nitish Kumar's nearly two-decade tenure characterized by coalition politics and administrative stability. Choudhary, formerly Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister, is a key BJP leader with a strong OBC base, and his elevation reflects BJP's strategic consolidation in Bihar. Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the oath at Raj Bhavan, Patna.
Engineered Bacteria Convert Plastic Waste into Parkinson’s Drug Levodopa
Scientists at the University of Edinburgh have developed genetically engineered E. coli bacteria capable of converting polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic waste, commonly used in bottles and packaging, into levodopa, a vital medication for Parkinson’s disease. Levodopa is essential in managing symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, and movement difficulties in over 10 million patients worldwide. This breakthrough offers a sustainable alternative to conventional fossil fuel–based drug production methods. While promising for environmental impact and pharmaceutical manufacturing, challenges such as scaling production, regulatory approvals, and efficient plastic waste collection remain.
PM Modi Inaugurates Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri, Mandya
On April 15, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Guru Bhairavaikya Mandira at Sri Kshetra Adichunchanagiri in Mandya district, Karnataka. The temple is dedicated to Sri Sri Sri Dr Balagangadharanatha Mahaswamiji, the 71st pontiff of Adichunchanagiri Math, commemorating his contributions to education, healthcare, and social services. Constructed in traditional Dravidian architectural style, the Mandira symbolizes India's rich temple heritage. The inauguration included prayers at prominent religious sites within the temple complex and the release of the book 'Saundarya Lahari and Shiva Mahimna Stotram' along with former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda.
India Targets Cocoa Self-Sufficiency by 2040 Under National Roadmap
India has unveiled an ambitious roadmap to become self-sufficient in cocoa production by 2040, aiming to reduce its $866 million annual cocoa import dependency. The plan is segmented into phases involving the establishment of Centres of Excellence, capacity building for farmers, expansion of cultivation, R&D intensification, and development of processing hubs. With domestic cocoa demand projected to grow at 5.5% annually to 4.67 lakh tonnes by 2040, the mission aligns with Aatmanirbhar Bharat’s vision to build a competitive, export-ready cocoa economy.
Supermassive Black Hole Activates After 100 Million Years of Dormancy
Astronomers have observed a supermassive black hole in a distant galaxy reactivating after nearly 100 million years of inactivity. This sudden awakening emitted a powerful burst of energy, similar to a volcanic eruption in space, providing key insights into black hole cycles and their influence on galaxy evolution. Such black holes switch between dormant and active states depending on available matter, with active phases producing intense radiation and jets that can regulate star formation within galaxies.