Daily Current Affairs 6 April 2026: India-Azerbaijan Ties, Indonesia Earthquake & INS Aridhaman Induction

Daily Current Affairs 6 April 2026 covers significant global and national developments, including a diplomatic reset between India and Azerbaijan, a major earthquake in Indonesia, and key economic and defence news. We also delve into the historical legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, a pivotal figure in Indian history, offering a comprehensive look at recent events and their broader implications.

India-Azerbaijan Diplomatic Ties Reset

Azerbaijan, with its capital Baku, is an important nation within the Eurasian Energy Corridor and borders the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea is bordered by five countries:

1. Russia

2. Kazakhstan

3. Azerbaijan

4. Iran

5. Turkmenistan

Historically, India and Azerbaijan have maintained relations since 1992. However, ties saw a deterioration due to several issues:

• Operation Sindoor (India): Azerbaijan opposed this Indian operation against cross-border terrorism.

• Azerbaijan's support for Pakistan: Azerbaijan, along with Turkey, supported Pakistan during the India-Pakistan conflicts.

• Nagorno-Karabakh Region: India's good relations with Armenia, which disputes this territory with Azerbaijan, caused friction.

• Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): Azerbaijan alleged India hindered its entry into the SCO.

Recently, India and Azerbaijan met in Baku, agreeing to resolve their differences and reset their diplomatic ties. This marks a new phase in their relationship, with future cooperation anticipated in:

• Trade

• Energy (Azerbaijan is an oil supplier to India, with ONGC Videsh investments)

• Technology

• Tourism

• Pharmaceuticals

• People-to-people ties

Discussions also focused on joint efforts against cross-border terrorism.

Earthquake in Indonesia & Pacific Ring of Fire

The Pacific Ring of Fire is a region known for frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. It is formed by the convergence and collision of major tectonic plates, including the Eurasian Plate, Pacific Plate, and Indo-Australian Plate, alongside various minor plates. These collisions lead to subduction, releasing energy that causes significant seismic and volcanic activity. Countries like Indonesia, Japan, the Philippines, and the western coast of the Americas lie within this zone.

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

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is celebrated as the founder of the Maratha Empire. He is renowned for his military excellence and is often recognized as the Father of the Indian Navy for establishing naval power and coastal forts. He is remembered for his bravery, effective governance, and inclusive administration.

Biography

Shivaji Maharaj was born in Shivneri Fort in 1630. His parents were Shahaji Bhosale and Jijabai. His mother, Jijabai, greatly influenced him, instilling values of bravery and Dharma (duty). Dadaji Kondadev trained him in administration and revenue systems. At 16, he captured the Torna Fort, initiating his expansion against the Bijapur Sultanate. In 1674, he established Swaraj and was crowned Chhatrapati at Raigad Fort.

Military and Administrative Prowess

Shivaji Maharaj was a master of guerrilla warfare strategy, known as Ganimi Kawa. This technique involved using local geography, particularly hilly areas, for surprise attacks to defeat larger armies, including the Mughals and Bijapur forces. He established a strong naval force and constructed coastal forts. His governance system included an efficient Ashta Pradhan Council (Council of Eight Ministers). He also introduced significant reforms in the revenue system. He achieved notable victories in battles such as Bahu of Pratapgarh and Bahu of Salher, which solidified Maratha power.

Principles of Governance

His army comprised individuals from diverse religions and communities, reflecting his commitment to inclusive governance. He also believed in decentralized administration, empowering common people and distributing power throughout the administrative structure.

Copper Economy

In 2026, global copper prices have seen a significant decline, primarily due to ongoing conflicts and reduced demand, signalling a potential economic slowdown. Copper is considered a crucial economic indicator:

• Rising Copper Demand/Prices: Indicates industrial expansion and economic growth.

• Falling Copper Demand/Prices: Suggests an economic slowdown, as copper is widely used across various industries.

Properties of Copper

Copper is a non-ferrous metal, meaning it does not contain iron as its primary constituent. It exhibits high thermal and electrical conductivity. Physically, it is soft, malleable (can be hammered into thin sheets), and ductile (can be drawn into wires). Copper is also easily recyclable.

Applications

Copper is extensively used in:

• Electrical Applications: Cables, wiring, microcircuits, power grids, power transmission.

• Construction: Plumbing, fittings, roofing, infrastructure.

• Industrial: Machinery, automobiles.

• Alloys: It is an essential component for important alloys:

• Brass: Copper + Zinc

• Bronze: Copper + Tin

• Other Uses: Coins, utensils.

Global Reserves and Production

Chile holds the largest copper reserves globally, followed by Australia, Peru, Russia, and the USA. India has significant reserves, mainly in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, with Madhya Pradesh being the top producer. However, India is not self-sufficient and relies on imports from countries like Chile, Indonesia, and Australia.

Copper Substitutes

Technological advancements have led to substitutes for copper in various applications:

• Aluminum: Used in power cables, radiators, and cooling systems; it is lighter and less expensive than copper.

• Optical Fiber: Replacing copper in telecommunications due to its higher data transmission efficiency, operating on the principle of Total Internal Reflection.

• Plastics: Increasingly used in plumbing instead of copper pipes.

INS Aridhaman: India's Third Nuclear Submarine

An SSBN stands for Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear submarine. These are strategic naval assets characterized by:

• Nuclear Propulsion: Powered by nuclear reactors, enabling them to remain submerged for extended periods (months) without refueling or surfacing.

• Ballistic Missiles: Designed to carry and launch ballistic missiles capable of striking targets over very long, including intercontinental, distances.

• Stealth Capability: Operating underwater, they are exceptionally difficult to detect, enhancing their survivability.

Advantages of SSBNs

• Extended Endurance: Long underwater operational capability.

• Hidden Presence: Difficult to locate, ensuring strategic surprise.

• Strategic Stability: Contribute to deterrence by maintaining a continuous, undetectable presence.

• Long-Term Presence: Ideal for prolonged patrolling and maintaining a strategic presence in specific maritime zones.

India's SSBN Fleet and INS Aridhaman

India has inducted its third nuclear submarine, INS Aridhaman. Its existing fleet includes INS Arihant (commissioned 2016) and INS Arighaat (commissioned 2024). A fourth SSBN is currently under construction.

Features of INS Aridhaman

INS Aridhaman is a 7000-ton nuclear-powered submarine. It is equipped with 8 vertical launching system tubes, doubling the capacity of its predecessors. It carries K-15 Sagarika missiles (range of 700 km) and K-4 missiles (range of 3500 km). These powerful missiles, combined with its long submerged endurance, significantly enhance India's strategic capabilities.

India's Nuclear Triad and Second Strike Capability

The induction of INS Aridhaman strengthens India's Nuclear Triad, which refers to the ability to deliver nuclear weapons from three distinct platforms:

• Land-based: Via missiles like the Agni series.

• Air-based: Via aircraft like the Mirage 2000 or Su-30 MKI.

• Sea-based: Via nuclear submarines like INS Arihant and INS Aridhaman.
  India's Nuclear Triad was officially completed in 2018 with the successful testing of INS Arihant.

This robust triad ensures Second Strike Capability, meaning India can retaliate with nuclear weapons even if its land-based assets are destroyed in a first strike. This capability deters potential aggressors and enhances national security.

India's Nuclear Doctrine

India adheres to a "No First Use" policy, meaning it will not initiate the use of nuclear weapons. However, its doctrine also states that if attacked with nuclear weapons, India will launch a massive retaliatory strike. This demonstrates India's stance as a responsible nuclear power with a strong deterrent posture. The addition of INS Aridhaman solidifies India's global position and strategic strength.