Daily Current Affairs 6 April 2026: Key Highlights, Mains Angle & Prelims Quiz

Daily Current Affairs 6 April 2026 highlights the reset of India-Azerbaijan diplomatic ties and a significant earthquake in Indonesia’s Pacific Ring of Fire. It also explores Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s legacy, the copper economy’s significance, and INS Aridhaman’s role in reinforcing India’s nuclear triad and second strike capability. Read Daily Current Affairs 6 April 2026 for UPSC Mains

India-Azerbaijan Reset Diplomatic Ties

India and Azerbaijan have decided to reset their diplomatic ties following a period of strained relations. A recent meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan, aimed to resolve differences and initiate a new beginning. Future cooperation areas include trade, energy, technology, tourism, pharmaceuticals, and people-to-people ties.

Azerbaijan is a significant oil supplier to India, and ONGC Videsh has made substantial investments there. Discussions also covered joint efforts against cross-border terrorism.

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Geographical Context

Azerbaijan is bordered by the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea’s bordering countries are:

• Russia
• Kazakhstan
• Azerbaijan
• Iran
• Turkmenistan

The capital of Azerbaijan is Baku. Azerbaijan holds strategic importance within the Eurasian Energy Corridor and the Caspian Sea region.

Reasons for Strained Relations

Azerbaijan maintains strong relations with Turkey and Pakistan. Past issues that led to strained relations include:

• Operation Sindoor: Azerbaijan opposed India’s “Operation Sindoor” against cross-border terrorism, supporting Pakistan.
• Nagorno-Karabakh Region: This is a disputed region between Armenia and Azerbaijan. India maintains good relations with Armenia, while Azerbaijan supports Pakistan, complicating India-Azerbaijan ties.
• Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Azerbaijan alleged that India was blocking its entry into the SCO.

Historically, India-Azerbaijan relations were generally stable since 1992 but deteriorated due to these disagreements.

UPSC Relevance

• Prelims:
  • Location of Caspian Sea and its bordering countries
  • Mapping of Eurasian region
• Mains (GS II – IR):
  • India’s foreign policy balancing (Turkey–Pakistan–Armenia dynamics)
  • Energy security and Eurasian geopolitics.

Earthquake in Indonesia

A 7.4 magnitude earthquake recently struck Indonesia in the Molucca Sea, located between the Sulawesi and Maluku Islands. Tsunami warnings were initially issued but later withdrawn.

Geological Context

The region is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire, a fundamental concept in geography. This area is characterized by the convergence and collision of tectonic plates (Eurasian Plate, Pacific Plate, Indo-Australian Plate, and other minor plates). 

This collision causes plates to subduct, releasing immense energy, which leads to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Countries within the Pacific Ring of Fire include Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and the western coast of the Americas.

UPSC Relevance

• Prelims:
  • Tectonic plates (Indo-Australian, Pacific, Eurasian)
  • Volcano and earthquake-prone zones
• Mains (GS I – Geography):
  • Plate tectonics and disaster vulnerability
  • Disaster preparedness and mitigation

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Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated as the Founder of the Maratha Empire. He is known for his exceptional military prowess and leadership and is often referred to as the Father of Indian Navy due to his emphasis on naval power and construction of coastal forts.

Key Details

• Birth: Born in Shivneri Fort in 1630.
• Parents: Shahaji Bhonsle (father) and Jijabai (mother).
• Early Influences: Learned bravery and Dharma (duty) from his mother, Jijabai.
• Training: Trained in administration and revenue systems by Dadaji Kondadev.
• First Conquest: Captured Torna Fort at the age of 16, marking the beginning of his expansion against the Bijapur Sultanate.
• Establishment of Swaraj: Established Swaraj (self-rule) in 1674 and was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort.

Military Strategy

Shivaji Maharaj mastered Guerrilla Warfare strategy, known as Ganimi Kawa. This involved using knowledge of local geography, especially hilly terrain, for surprise attacks and strategic retreats, enabling his smaller forces to defeat larger Mughal and Bijapur armies. 

Administration and Governance

• Naval Power: Established a strong navy and coastal fortifications.
• Governance System: Known for an efficient administrative system, including the Ashta Pradhan Council (Council of Eight Ministers).
• Revenue Reforms: Implemented significant reforms in the revenue system.
• Victories: Notable victories include the Battle of Pratapgarh and the Battle of Salher, which strengthened Maratha power.
• Inclusive Governance: His army comprised people from various religions and communities, reflecting his vision for an inclusive and decentralized administration.

UPSC Relevance

• Prelims:
  • Important forts (Raigad, Torna)
  • Ashta Pradhan Council
• Mains (GS I – History):
  • Regional state formation in medieval India
  • Military strategies like Guerrilla Warfare (Ganimi Kawa)

Copper Economy

Copper prices significantly declined in 2026, primarily due to global conflicts leading to decreased demand.

Properties of Copper

• Non-ferrous metal (not iron-based).
• High thermal and electrical conductivity, making it valuable for heat and electricity applications.
• Soft metal.
• Malleable: Can be drawn into thin sheets or hammered without breaking.
• Ductile: Can be drawn into wires (e.g., for electrical wiring).
• Recyclable.

Uses of Copper

• Electrical Industry: Cables, wiring, micro-circuits, power grids.
• Construction: Plumbing, fittings, roofing, infrastructure.
• Manufacturing: Machinery, automobiles.
• Alloys:
  • Brass: Alloy of Copper and Zinc.
  • Bronze: Alloy of Copper and Tin.
• Household Items: Coins, utensils.

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Global and Indian Reserves/Production

• Top Global Reserves: Chile (highest), followed by Australia, Peru, Russia, and USA.
• Indian Reserves: Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh hold the largest reserves.
• Indian Producers: Madhya Pradesh (top producer), Rajasthan (second). It is important to distinguish between Reserves (total quantity available) and Producers (quantity extracted).
• India is not self-sufficient in copper and relies on imports from Chile, Indonesia, and Australia.
• Recycling plays a crucial role in meeting India’s copper demand.

Copper as an Economic Indicator

Copper prices are considered an indicator of economic health. Rising copper demand/prices indicate industrial expansion and economic growth, while falling demand/prices suggest an economic slowdown.

Substitutes for Copper

• Aluminum: Used in power cables, radiators, and cooling systems due to lighter weight and lower cost.
• Optical Fibers: Replacing copper in telecommunication. Optical fibers operate on the principle of Total Internal Reflection and offer higher data transmission efficiency.
• Plastics: Used in plumbing applications as an alternative to copper.

UPSC Relevance

• Prelims:
  • Properties of copper (ductile, malleable, conductor)
  • Major producers (Chile, Australia) and Indian reserves
• Mains (GS III – Economy):
  • Role of metals as economic indicators
  • Supply chain disruptions and the global economy.

INS Aridhaman

INS Aridhaman is an SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear Submarine). Nuclear-powered submarines (like SSBNs) use nuclear reactors, allowing them to stay submerged for months without refueling and remain undetected for extended periods, unlike conventional diesel-electric submarines that need to surface periodically. 

SSBNs carry long-range ballistic missiles capable of hitting intercontinental targets. Their ability to operate deep underwater makes them extremely difficult to detect, providing strategic advantages like long-term survival, hidden presence, and strategic stability.

India’s SSBN Fleet

INS Aridhaman is India’s third nuclear submarine to be inducted.

• Previous SSBNs:
  • INS Arihant: Commissioned in 2016.
  • INS Arighaat: Commissioned in 2024.
    A fourth SSBN is currently under construction, which will enhance missile carrying capabilities.

Specifications of INS Aridhaman

• A 7000-ton nuclear-powered submarine.
• Features eight Vertical Launching System (VLS) tubes, doubling the capacity of its predecessors (INS Arihant and Arighaat).
• Missile Arsenal:
  • K-15 Sagarika missiles: Range of 700 km.
  • K4 missiles: Range of 3500 km.

India’s Nuclear Triad and Second Strike Capability

Nuclear Triad refers to the capability to launch nuclear weapons from land, air, and sea. India’s nuclear triad was completed in 2018 with the testing of INS Arihant.

• Components:
  • Land-based: Agni series missiles.
  • Air-based: Mirage 2000, Su-30 MKI aircraft.
  • Sea-based: INS Arihant, INS Aridhaman.
    The induction of INS Aridhaman further strengthens India’s nuclear posture.

Second Strike Capability guarantees retaliation even if an adversary successfully destroys all land-based nuclear assets. India’s Nuclear Doctrine adheres to a “No First Use” policy, meaning India will not initiate a nuclear attack but pledges a massive retaliatory strike if attacked.

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UPSC Relevance

• Prelims:
  • Types of submarines (SSBN vs SSN)
  • Components of Nuclear Triad
• Mains (GS III – Security):
  • Nuclear doctrine and “No First Use.”
  • Strategic deterrence and maritime security

Daily Current Affairs 6 April 2026 UPSC Prelims Quiz

Q1. Consider the following countries:

1. Iran
2. Kazakhstan
3. Uzbekistan
4. Turkmenistan

Which of the above border the Caspian Sea?
Options:
(a) 1, 2 and 4 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Answer: (a) 

Q2. The Pacific Ring of Fire is associated with:

(a) Desert formation
(b) Frequent earthquakes and volcanoes
(c) Ocean currents
(d) Coral reef formation

Answer: (b)

Q3. With reference to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, consider the following statements:

1. He established the Ashta Pradhan Council
2. He was the founder of the Mughal Empire
3. He promoted naval power

Which of the statements are correct?
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a)

Q4. Copper is considered an economic indicator because:

(a) It is used in agriculture
(b) Its demand reflects industrial activity
(c) It is a precious metal
(d) It is used only in electronics

Answer: (b)

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Q5. Which of the following correctly describes an SSBN like INS Aridhaman?

(a) Diesel-powered attack submarine
(b) Nuclear-powered submarine carrying ballistic missiles
(c) Aircraft carrier
(d) Surface warship

Answer: (b)

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