Current Affairs 06 April 2026

India Becomes 3rd-Largest Renewable Energy Market by 2025.

• India’s Achievement: Became the 3rd-largest renewable energy market in 2025, adding ~45 GW capacity.
• Total Capacity: Reached 250.5 GW (up from 175.9 GW in 2023), behind China and the USA.
• Solar & Wind Growth: Added 37 GW solar (2nd globally after China) and 6.3 GW wind—record annual increase.
• Hydropower Expansion: Conventional hydropower rose to 56 GW, pumped hydro to 7.2 GW.
• Global Context: Renewable share of global capacity reached 49.4%, though the share of renewables in new capacity slightly declined to 85.6% due to a rebound in non-renewables.

India Records 45-Month Low in Manufacturing PMI at 53.9 in March.

• Manufacturing PMI: Fell to 53.9 in March 2026, a 45-month low.
• Growth Status: Sector still expanding, but at a slower pace.
• Key Pressures: Slowing demand, rising input costs, and commodity price hikes.
• Global Impact: Middle East conflict disrupting supply chains.

Major Ports Hit All-Time High with 915 Million Tonnes in FY26.

• Record Cargo: Major ports handled 915.17 MT in FY26, exceeding the 904 MT target.
• Top Ports: Deendayal (160.11 MT), Paradip (156.45 MT), JNPA (102.01 MT).
• Highest Growth: Mormugao (15.91%), Kolkata Dock System (14.28%).
• Drivers: Smart port initiatives, commodity surge, improved connectivity, and policy reforms.

Census 2027 Picks Sand Artist Sudarsan Pattnaik as Brand Ambassador.

• Sudarsan Pattnaik appointed Brand Ambassador for Census 2027.
• Census 2027: India’s first digital census with online self-enumeration.
• Phases: House listing (Apr–Sep 2026) and population enumeration (Feb 2027).
• Purpose: Raise awareness and encourage participation; data vital for policy and planning.

Humanitarian Aid from India Reaches Afghanistan Post-Disasters.

• Humanitarian Aid: India dispatched assistance to Afghanistan after recent floods and earthquakes.
• Government Role: MEA confirmed aid, emphasizing solidarity and support.
• Relief Materials: Includes kitchen sets, hygiene kits, sleeping bags, plastic sheets, and tarpaulins.
• Purpose: Provide immediate relief, shelter, and sanitary support to affected populations.