CURRENT AFFAIRS OF THE DAY 06-04-26

1. Defence Tech Startups Fuelling The ‘Make In India’ Drive In Defence

India holds the title of the world’s largest importer of arms and reportedly accounted for a significant 9.8% of the total global arms imports between 2019 and 2023

Defense tech startups are rapidly innovating in AI, autonomous systems, drones, and cybersecurity, driven by increased geopolitical tensions and high demand for modern, agile solutions

As of February 2026, approx. 676 start-ups, MSMEs, and individual innovators have joined the defence innovation ecosystem

The National Defence Industries Conclave (NDIC) 2026, organised by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) on the theme ‘Advanced Manufacturing Technologies’, concluded at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi on March 20, 2026,

Top Defense Startups and Companies

Drones & Robotics: ideaForge (UAVs), Garuda Aerospace (drones)

AI, Sensing & Surveillance: Tonbo Imaging , CRON AI, Skylark Labs, and GalaxE

Big bang boom solution :bulletproof jackets,Anti Drone Technology

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

Launched in April 2018

It fosters innovation through grants up to ₹1.5 crore for startups and MSMEs to develop prototypes, supporting technology in artificial intelligence, cyber warfare, and surveillance.

Defence Industrial Corridors

Two Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs) have been set up in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to boost defence manufacturing. These corridors provide incentives to companies investing in the sector.

nvestments worth more than Rs 8,658 crore have already been made in the 6 nodes of UP viz. Agra, Aligarh, Chitrakoot, Jhansi, Kanpur and Lucknow and 5 nodes of Tamil Nadu viz. Chennai, Coimbatore, Hosur, Salem and Tiruchirappalli

2.Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

The provisions of the Act clearly state that the investigation is to be made by an officer, not below the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police

Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Act, 2018

Criminalising Bribe Givers: Offering a bribe is now a specific offence, punishable by up to 7 years in prison

The MinesMinerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957

It governs the licensing, leasing, and development of mineral resources, prohibiting unauthorized mining operations

The Act introduces a new 5-year licence (extendable by 2 years) for reconnaissance and prospecting of 29 critical and deep-seated minerals (e.g., gold, copper, lithium, cobalt).

Rule 36A of the Tamil Nadu Minor Mineral Concession Rules, 1959

IT details penalties for illegal mining and quarrying, authorizing the District Collector or District Forest Officer to impose up to 15 times the normal seigniorage fee (minimum ₹25,000) or initiate prosecution for illegal extraction

3.Project Chetak

Project Chetak was initiated by the Border Roads Organization (BRO) in 1980 and recently celebrated its 47th Raising Day.

Its primary objective is infrastructure development across Punjab, Rajasthan, and Gujarat.

It has played the vital role to developing strategic road networks near international border with Pakistan

This project operates with the inspiring motto which is “Chetak ka Prayas, Desh ka Vikas”

Border Roads Organization (BRO)

Formed on May 7, 1960, the BRO operates in challenging terrains, including the Ladakh region. It has been under the purview of the Ministry of Defence since 2015.

4.Rongali Bihu Festival

Rongali Bihu marks the Assamese New Year and arrival of spring.

It is celebrated in Assam with great cultural enthusiasm.

Rongali Bihu is also known as Bohag Bihu and is the most important of the three Bihu festivals.

The first day is called Goru Bihu (for cattle) and the second day Manuh Bihu (for people).

Festivals in other states

Khajuraho Festival - Madhya Pradesh

Losar Festival - Ladakh

Apricot Blossom - LadakhDhanu Yatra - Odisha

5.International Day of Sport for Development and Peace-April 6th

It was declared by the United Nations in 2013.

The resolution highlights sports contribution to

Gender equality and women empowerment

Mental and physical health

Human rights and social inclusion

6.Know Your Candidate (KYC) App

The 'Know Your Candidates (KYC)' feature has been launched on the ECINet platform by the Election Commission of India.

It enables voters to access verified details of election candidates before voting.

The feature provides information on criminal records, assets & liabilities, and educational qualifications of candidates.

Voters can also download Form 26 affidavit submitted by candidates during nomination

ECINet is a unified digital electoral platform integrating 40+ applications and services..

The platform also offers services like voter registration, electoral roll search, grievance redressal, and e-EPIC download.

Election related apps and websites

SUVIDHA 2.0-Candidates and parties can now apply for campaign related permissions also in the new and upgraded Suvidha 2.0 mobile application

cVIGIL-REAL TIME COMPLAINT APP -to report Model Code of Conduct (MCC) -Users can take photos or videos of violations, which are geotagged and sent to flying squads for action, with a promised resolution time of 100 minutes.

voter helpline-1950

SAKSHAM APP-designed to assist Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with easy voting services. It allows users to register as a PwD, locate polling stations, request wheelchairs, and access special services.

SVEEP Portal-SVEEP (Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation) is a flagship programme of the Election Commission of India to promote voter education, awareness programme.