Daily GK Update- 6th April, 2026

 

NATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Divya Singh Cycles to Everest Base Camp in 14 Days: A young adventurer from Uttar Pradesh has captured national attention after completing an extraordinary cycling expedition to Everest Base Camp. Divya Singh’s 14-day journey from Kathmandu to one of the world’s most challenging high-altitude destinations has gone viral, inspiring many across the country. Battling harsh terrain and extreme weather, her feat highlights determination and endurance in the face of daunting odds. Divya Singh cycled continuously for 14 days to reach Everest Base Camp, covering treacherous mountain paths and steep ascents. She reportedly rode for 10 to 12 hours daily, pushing through rugged trails that tested both physical strength and mental resilience. The journey required consistent stamina as the terrain grew increasingly difficult with altitude.

 

2. FAO Food Price Index Rises Amid Global Energy Pressures: The FAO Food Price Index recorded an increase in March 2026, primarily driven by rising energy costs linked to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The surge highlights the vulnerability of global food prices to external shocks such as conflicts and fuel price fluctuations, which directly affect production, transportation and supply chains. The FAO Food Price Index is a key indicator that measures the monthly change in international prices of a basket of food commodities. It reflects global price trends and serves as an important benchmark for policymakers and economists. The index is calculated as a weighted average of five commodity group price indices: cereals, vegetable oils, dairy products, meat and sugar.

 

3. Barnawapara Sanctuary Sees Blackbuck Reintroduction Effort: Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary in Chhattisgarh has recently witnessed the reintroduction of blackbucks into the Rampur grassland, marking an important conservation step. This initiative aims to restore ecological balance and revive native species populations in their natural habitat. It reflects growing emphasis on biodiversity conservation and habitat restoration in India’s protected areas. Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary is situated in the northern part of Mahasamund district in Chhattisgarh. It derives its name from two forest villages, Bar and Nawapara, located within its core region. The sanctuary spans an area of approximately 245 square kilometres and is enriched by several water sources. Tributaries of the Mahanadi sustain the ecosystem, with the Balamdehi River forming its western boundary and the Jonk River marking the northeastern edge.

 

4. Project Chetak Marks 47th Raising Day in Bikaner: The 47th Raising Day of Project Chetak was recently celebrated in Bikaner, Rajasthan, highlighting its crucial contribution to border infrastructure and national security. Executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the project has played a significant role in enhancing connectivity in India’s western frontier. The occasion underscored the strategic importance of infrastructure development in strengthening defence preparedness and regional growth. The project covers more than 4,000 kilometres of road network along with 214 kilometres of ditch-cum-bund. These infrastructures are essential for facilitating troop movement, logistics and surveillance along the International Border. By connecting remote and sensitive regions, Project Chetak contributes significantly to both national security and socio-economic development in border districts.

 

5. Jiyo Parsi Scheme Boosts Community Registration Drive: The Jiyo Parsi Scheme has recently gained attention following the successful conduct of a Universal Parsi Registration Drive facilitation camp by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. Around 300 new registrations were completed on the Jiyo Parsi portal, reflecting renewed efforts to address the declining population of the Parsi community in India. The initiative highlights the government’s continued commitment to preserving the demographic and cultural identity of this minority group. Launched in 2013–14, the Jiyo Parsi Scheme is a flagship Central Sector Scheme aimed at arresting the steady decline in the Parsi population. The programme seeks not only to stabilise but also to increase the community’s numbers through scientific and structured interventions. It addresses demographic concerns by promoting family growth and supporting reproductive health.

 

6. Sādhana Saptah Initiative Strengthens Civil Services Capacity: The Sādhana Saptah 2026 initiative marks a key development in India’s efforts to modernise its civil services and align governance with future challenges. Launched under Mission Karmayogi, the programme aims to equip public officials with the competencies required for efficient, citizen-centric administration. It reflects the broader vision of building a responsive bureaucracy capable of driving India towards the goal of Viksit Bharat 2047. Sādhana Saptah is part of Mission Karmayogi, formally known as the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building. The initiative focuses on enhancing the skills, attitudes and knowledge of government officials. It is designed to promote adaptive development and humane aptitude, ensuring that governance systems remain people-oriented and efficient. The programme integrates learning with real-world administrative needs.

 

7. BioNEST Centre Boosts Food Startup Innovation at CFTRI: Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the BIRAC-BioNEST Incubation Centre at the Central Food Technology and Research Institute (CFTRI), marking a significant step in strengthening India’s food innovation ecosystem. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between laboratory research and commercial applications by fostering startup-driven technologies in food processing and biotechnology. The BioNEST Incubation Centre has been developed as a modern facility with dedicated incubation suites and shared infrastructure. It is designed to support startups in advanced research, scale-up validation, and regulatory processes. The centre focuses on enabling scientific ideas to evolve into market-ready solutions, particularly in food bioprocessing and biotechnology sectors.

 

8. National Maritime Day Highlights India’s Shipping Legacy: India observes National Maritime Day annually on April 5 to commemorate its rich maritime heritage and underline the critical role of the shipping sector in economic growth and global connectivity. The occasion honours seafarers, port authorities, and maritime institutions that sustain international trade and logistics, while also emphasising the sector’s evolving future. The significance of the day traces back to April 5, 1919, when the Indian-owned ship SS Loyalty embarked on its maiden voyage from Mumbai to London. Operated by the Scindia Steam Navigation Company, this journey marked a turning point during colonial rule, symbolising India’s emergence from foreign dominance in maritime trade. It laid the foundation for the country’s modern shipping industry.

 

INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:

 

1. Air India CEO Campbell Wilson Resigns Before Term Ends: Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson has reportedly stepped down from his position before completing his contractual tenure, which was scheduled to run until July 2027. The development comes at a crucial time for the airline, which has been undergoing a major transformation following its acquisition by the Tata Group. Sources indicate that the resignation was submitted recently, though official confirmation and reasons remain limited. Campbell Wilson was appointed as CEO and Managing Director of Air India in 2022 on a five-year contract. His appointment was seen as a strategic move to revitalise the airline, drawing upon his extensive experience in global aviation. Wilson brought with him over three decades of industry expertise, spanning both full-service and low-cost airline operations.

 

2. Bangladesh Launches Emergency Measles Vaccination Drive: Bangladesh has initiated an emergency vaccination campaign targeting over one million children amid a rapidly spreading measles outbreak. The surge in cases has raised public health concerns, prompting urgent immunisation efforts to contain the disease and prevent severe complications, particularly among vulnerable groups. Measles is a highly contagious and serious airborne disease caused by a virus belonging to the paramyxovirus family. It primarily affects children but can infect individuals of any age who lack immunity. The virus initially targets the respiratory system and then spreads throughout the body, often leading to complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, and even death in severe cases.

 

3. India Sends Humanitarian Aid to Flood-Hit Afghanistan: India has dispatched Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) materials to Afghanistan in response to the severe crisis caused by recent floods and earthquakes. The move reflects India’s continued commitment to supporting the Afghan people during humanitarian emergencies, despite ongoing geopolitical complexities in the region. The assistance includes essential relief materials aimed at addressing immediate needs such as shelter, food, and medical support. Afghanistan has been facing recurring natural disasters, which have worsened living conditions for vulnerable populations. India’s aid underscores its role as a key regional partner in providing timely disaster relief and humanitarian support.

 

4. Coforge Appoints Sunil Fernandes as Chief Operating Officer: Coforge, a leading AI-native engineering services firm, has announced the promotion of Sunil Fernandes to the role of Chief Operating Officer (COO). The development reflects the company’s strategic focus on strengthening operational capabilities and accelerating its transition towards AI-driven services. Fernandes, who is based in Princeton, New Jersey, will continue to report to CEO and Executive Director Sudhir Singh while taking on expanded responsibilities. In his new role, Fernandes will oversee Coforge’s global delivery operations along with critical internal functions such as administration, facilities, and IT services. His mandate includes enhancing execution efficiency, scaling operations, and ensuring consistent delivery of high-quality outcomes for clients. A key priority will be driving the adoption of AI-native practices across engineering, service delivery, and internal workflows.

 

5. Gourami Fish Fossils Discovered in Shivalik Foothills: A major palaeontological discovery in the Shivalik foothills near Dehradun has revealed freshwater fish fossils for the first time in the region, previously known only for terrestrial remains. The finding offers crucial insights into the prehistoric ecosystem of northern India, particularly during the Pliocene epoch, estimated between 5 and 2.5 million years ago. The fossils were unearthed near Mohand on the outskirts of Dehradun by researchers from the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology (WIHG) and collaborating institutions. The discovery includes otoliths, or ear bones, of three freshwater fish groups—snakehead (Channa), goby, and gourami. Notably, the gourami fossil marks its first recorded presence in India and only the second globally, after an earlier discovery in Sumatra.

 

OTHER UPDATES:

DEFENCE

 

1. India’s PFBR Reactor Achieves Criticality Milestone: India has reached a major milestone in its civil nuclear energy programme as the Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) at Kalpakkam, Tamil Nadu, attained criticality. This marks the initiation of a self-sustaining nuclear fission chain reaction, a crucial step before full-scale power generation. The development signifies India’s advancement into the second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme. Criticality refers to the stage where a nuclear reactor sustains a stable chain reaction without external neutron input. At this point, each fission event releases enough neutrons to maintain the reaction continuously. Although criticality does not imply full electricity generation, it is a key milestone in reactor commissioning and safety validation.

 

2. India Advances Ghatak Stealth UCAV Deployment Plan: India has taken a significant step towards strengthening its air combat capabilities with the planned induction of indigenous stealth unmanned combat aerial vehicles (UCAVs) under the ‘Ghatak’ programme. The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) on March 27 cleared the procurement of remotely piloted strike aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF), paving the way for four squadrons of advanced combat drones. The move aligns with India’s long-term defence modernisation strategy under the Vision 2047 roadmap. The Ghatak UCAV, earlier known as the Autonomous Unmanned Research Aircraft (AURA), is being developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO). Designed as a stealth combat drone, it represents India’s push for self-reliance in advanced military technologies. The programme aims to deliver a next-generation unmanned platform capable of executing high-risk missions without endangering human pilots.

 

SPORTS

 

1. National Sub-Junior Boxing Championship Begins in Nagpur: The 7th National Sub-Junior (Under-17) Boxing Championship commenced in Nagpur, marking a significant event in India’s youth sporting calendar. The week-long tournament was inaugurated by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari and has attracted widespread participation from across the country, reflecting the growing popularity of boxing among young athletes. The championship has drawn nearly 600 young boxers, including around 350 boys and 250 girls. The event is supported by approximately 180 coaches and team managers, along with 70 officials ensuring smooth conduct. Competitions are being held across 13 weight categories, allowing athletes to showcase their skills across diverse divisions.

 

2. IPL Winners List from 2008 to 2026 – New Winner and Runner-up Team: Explore the complete winners list of the Indian Premier League from 2008 to 2026, with year-wise champions and runner-up teams. Get quick insights, final match results, and key highlights from every season—including the latest IPL winner—all in one place. The Indian Premier League 2026, also called IPL 19 and branded as TATA IPL 2026, is the 19th season of India’s most popular T20 cricket league. Organised by the BCCI, the tournament will feature 10 teams playing 84 matches. Scheduled from 26 March to 31 May 2026, the season promises exciting cricket, star players, and intense competition. Royal Challengers Bengaluru enter the tournament as the defending champions.

 

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

 

1. Indian Softshell Turtle Rescue Highlights Illegal Wildlife Trade: In a recent incident, police rescued 16 Indian Softshell turtles in Greater Noida during a routine check, drawing attention to the persistent issue of illegal wildlife trade in India. The species, already under significant threat, is protected under stringent conservation laws, and such rescues underline the urgency of safeguarding aquatic biodiversity. The Indian Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia gangetica), also known as the Ganges Softshell turtle, is among the largest freshwater turtle species in the world. It is characterised by a round to oval-shaped, green carapace with a yellow border. The species has a long neck and a distinctive tube-like snout that allows it to breathe while remaining mostly submerged. Its soft, compressed shell enables swift movement, making it an efficient swimmer.

 

2. Rove Beetles Discovery Boosts Arunachal Biodiversity: Researchers have recently identified three new species of rove beetles in Arunachal Pradesh, underscoring the region’s immense and largely unexplored biodiversity. This discovery highlights the ecological richness of Northeast India and reinforces its importance as a global biodiversity hotspot. The finding also draws attention to the need for continued scientific exploration and conservation efforts in fragile ecosystems. Rove beetles belong to the family Staphylinidae, one of the largest beetle families in the animal kingdom. They are typically elongate, fast-moving insects characterised by shortened wing covers (elytra), which leave much of their flexible abdomen exposed. A distinctive feature is their ability to raise the abdomen in a scorpion-like posture as a defensive mechanism, although they do not possess a true sting.

 

3. Scientists Trap Light in Ultra-Thin 40 Nanometre Layer: In a major breakthrough in photonics, scientists have successfully trapped infrared light within a structure just 40 nanometres thick—over 1,000 times thinner than a human hair. The research, led by teams from the University of Warsaw and other Polish institutions, demonstrates how advanced materials can manipulate light at extremely small scales, opening new possibilities for next-generation technologies. The researchers engineered a nanoscale structure known as a subwavelength grating to confine infrared light. This structure consists of tightly spaced parallel strips that interact with light similarly to a prism. When arranged closer than the wavelength of light, the grating acts like a near-perfect mirror, trapping light within a tiny volume despite being much smaller than the wavelength itself.

 

4. Appemidi Mango Faces Climate Threat in Aghanashini Valley: The indigenous Appemidi mango, known for its unique flavour and cultural significance, is facing increasing threats due to climate change in Karnataka’s Aghanashini valley. Despite receiving the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2009, experts warn that changing rainfall patterns and rising temperatures are affecting its survival, prompting urgent calls for conservation efforts in its natural habitat. A group of nearly 30 conservationists conducted a 30-km padayatra from Sarakuli in Siddapur taluk to Unchalli Falls in Sirsi taluk between March 30 and April 1. The field assessment documented reduced fruit yield and declining tree health, with farmers attributing the changes to erratic weather patterns. Observations revealed that tree density remains higher in regions with minimal human interference.

 

BANKING AND FINANCE

 

1. India’s Major Ports Handle Record 915.17 Million Tonnes of Cargo in FY26: India’s maritime sector hits a record 915.17 MT cargo at major ports in FY 2025–26, surpassing the 904 MT target with 7.06% growth, reflecting rising trade capacity, efficiency, and expanding global maritime strength. India’s maritime sector has achieved the significant milestone with major ports handling a record 915.17 million tonnes (MT) of cargo in FY 2025-26. According to the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways this performance exceeded the annual target of 904 MT but also recorded the 7.06% year-on-year growth. This achievement highlights the India’s growing trade capacity. Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal highlighted that this milestone showcasing the government’s commitment to strengthening the India’s maritime infrastructure.

 

2. Western Dedicated Freight Corridor Completed, India Set for Faster Freight Movement: Indian Railways completes the 1,506 km Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC) from JNPT to Dadri, enhancing freight efficiency, boosting logistics, and supporting India’s economic growth. Indian Railways has successfully completed the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (WDFC). With this completion it marks the major milestone in the country’s infrastructure development. This corridor is spanning over 1,506 km from JNPT in Maharashtra to Dadri in Uttar Pradesh. The corridor is set to transform the freight movement across India. As with the enhanced capacity, faster transit and improved efficiency it will be expected to boost logistics performance and will support the economic growth.