Introduction

Current Affairs 4 June 2026 brings several important developments for government exam aspirants. Today's updates cover India's proposed ₹3.25 lakh crore Rafale fighter aircraft acquisition, launch of Mission Senehjori to promote Assam's Muga silk industry, the Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme 2026, India's digital economy ranking, and the successful testing of the indigenous RudraM-II missile. These Latest Current Affairs 2026 topics are highly relevant for UPSC, SSC, Banking, Railways, Defence, Insurance, and State PSC examinations.

Detailed Current Affairs - 4 June 2026

National Affairs

India Issues Letter of Request to France for 114 Rafale Fighter Jets

Why in News

The Government of India has formally issued a Letter of Request (LoR) to the Government of France for acquiring 114 Rafale fighter aircraft for the Indian Air Force (IAF) under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) Programme. The proposed deal is estimated at approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore.

The acquisition aims to strengthen India's air combat capabilities at a time when the IAF's squadron strength has declined significantly below its sanctioned level.

A major feature of the proposal is the plan to manufacture approximately 94 aircraft in India through collaboration between Dassault Aviation and an Indian partner.

Key Highlights

• ₹3.25 lakh crore deal represents one of India's largest defence procurements.
• 114 Rafale fighter jets are proposed under the MRFA programme.
• 94 aircraft are planned to be manufactured in India.
• The project supports the Make in India initiative.
• IAF currently operates around 29 squadrons against the sanctioned 42.5 squadrons.
• First deliveries of Rafale-M variants are expected from 2028.

Knowledge Booster

• Rafale is a 4.5-generation multirole fighter aircraft.
• Manufactured by Dassault Aviation, France.
• India previously procured 36 Rafale aircraft in 2016.
• Rafale can carry nuclear and conventional weapons.

Analysis

The deal has strategic significance as India faces increasing regional security challenges. Indigenous manufacturing provisions can strengthen domestic aerospace capabilities while reducing future dependence on imports.

Mission Senehjori Launched for Assam's Muga Silk

Why in News

Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched Mission Senehjori, a cluster-based programme aimed at transforming Assam's unique Muga silk sector into a globally recognized luxury textile industry.

The mission seeks to improve traceability, exports, branding, and GI authentication of Muga silk.

Key Highlights

• Investment of approximately ₹396-411 crore.
• Programme period: 2026-2028.
• Targets 2,000 kg annual exports.
• Focuses on GI authentication and digital traceability.
• Covers 8 major Muga silk clusters.
• Led by MDoNER, Assam Government, and Central Silk Board.

Knowledge Booster

• Muga Silk is indigenous to Assam.
• It possesses a natural golden-yellow colour.
• It has Geographical Indication (GI) status.
• Assam is India's leading producer of Muga Silk.

PMRC Scheme 2026 Launched

Key Highlights

• Full form: Prime Minister Research Chair Scheme.
• Targets accomplished Indian-origin researchers globally.
• Covers 13 priority sectors.
• Includes AI, Quantum Computing, Semiconductors, Biotechnology, Space and Defence.
• Monitored by a committee headed by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood.
• Seven premier institutions designated as Lead Institutions.

Science & Technology

Chandigarh University Launches IndiaAI Data Lab

Key Highlights

• First private university to establish an IndiaAI Data Lab.
• Developed with Intel India.
• Focus on AI and Data Science skill development.
• Provides simulated apprenticeship opportunities.
• Encourages industry-academia collaboration.
• Includes Intel certification pathways.

BHASHINI Launches VYOMA Innovation Challenge

Key Highlights

• Launched by Digital India BHASHINI Division.
• Promotes multilingual and voice-first AI solutions.
• Supports offline and low-connectivity environments.
• Built around Sunno Sutra AI device.
• Prize pool up to ₹80 lakh.
• Focus areas include healthcare, governance, agriculture and education.

Microsoft Unveils Majorana 2 Quantum Chip

Key Highlights

• Successor to Majorana 1.
• Developed using Microsoft Discovery AI platform.
• Contains 12 topological qubits.
• Offers significantly improved reliability.
• Supports Microsoft's quantum computing roadmap.
• Commercial quantum systems targeted by 2029.

Economy & Banking

India Becomes World's 5th Most Digitalised Economy

Why in News

The State of India's Digital Economy (SIDE) 2026 Report released by ICRIER-IPCIDE ranked India as the world's 5th most digitalised economy.

India also secured 4th position globally in the CHIPS Index for Artificial Intelligence.

Key Highlights

• India improved from 8th rank in 2025 to 5th rank in 2026.
• Assessment covered 71 countries.
• India accounts for 19.9% of global AI users.
• India has the world's second-largest AI talent pool.
• Internet users grew by 8.8%.
• Ranked 4th in CHIPS Index.

BharatPe Launches BharatPe Flex

Key Highlights

• Credit-on-UPI solution powered by YES Bank.
• Provides up to 45 days interest-free credit.
• Supports QR payments, bill payments and recharges.
• Allows EMI conversion.
• Fully digital onboarding and KYC.
• Operates under the "Pay Now, Settle Later" model.

UPI Enabled in Cambodia

Key Highlights

• Implemented through partnership between NIPL and ACLEDA Bank.
• Uses Cambodia's KHQR system.
• Available at 4.5 million merchants.
• Supports real-time QR payments.
• Strengthens India-Cambodia digital cooperation.
• Expands UPI's global acceptance network.

Awards & Recognition

APCNF Wins Food Planet Prize 2026

Key Highlights

• Awarded by Curt Bergfors Foundation, Sweden.
• Prize value: USD 1.5 million.
• Recognizes sustainable agriculture initiatives.
• APCNF launched in 2016.
• Promotes community-managed natural farming.
• Practices adopted across multiple Indian states and foreign countries.

Appointments & Resignations

Khalilur Rahman Elected President of 81st UNGA

• Foreign Minister of Bangladesh.
• Elected President of the 81st United Nations General Assembly.
• Defeated Andreas Kakouris.
• Will assume office for a one-year term.

Prashant Sitaram Lokhande Appointed CBSE Chairperson

• Approved by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC).
• Previously served in the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Succeeds Rahul Singh.

Defence & Security

DRDO and IAF Successfully Test RudraM-II Missile

Key Highlights

• Indigenous air-to-surface missile.
• Developed by DRDO.
• Range of 300 km.
• Speed up to Mach 5.5.
• Carries 200 kg warhead.
• Designed for SEAD/DEAD missions.
• Can be launched from Su-30MKI aircraft.

Sports

India Finishes Second at Asian U20 Athletics Championships 2026

Key Highlights

• Held in Hong Kong, China.
• India won 19 medals.
• Medal tally: 10 Gold, 5 Silver, 4 Bronze.
• China topped the standings.
• Event featured 45 disciplines.
• India produced several individual champions.

Important Days

World Bicycle Day - 3 June

• Observed annually on 3 June.
• Theme 2026: "Cycling for a Greener Future".
• Recognized by the United Nations General Assembly.
• First celebrated in 2018.
• Promotes sustainable transport and healthier lifestyles.

Today's Current Affairs One-Liners - 4 June 2026

National Affairs

● Defence - The Government of India issued a Letter of Request (LoR) to France for procuring 114 Rafale fighter jets worth approximately ₹3.25 lakh crore under the Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) Programme, with around 94 aircraft proposed to be manufactured in India through a partnership with Dassault Aviation, aiming to bridge the IAF's squadron deficit.

● Textiles & MSME - Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia and Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma launched Mission Senehjori (2026-2028) with an investment of ₹396-411 crore to promote Assam's GI-tagged Muga Silk, targeting 2,000 kg annual exports and digital traceability of over 80% of traded silk.

● Education & Research - The Ministry of Education (MoE) launched the Prime Minister Research Chair (PMRC) Scheme 2026 to attract distinguished Indian-origin researchers from across the world and strengthen India's research ecosystem in 13 strategic sectors, including AI, semiconductors, biotechnology, quantum computing, and space technology.

● Higher Education - Chandigarh University, Punjab, became India's first private university to establish an IndiaAI Data Lab in collaboration with Intel India, providing students with industry-oriented training, AI certifications, and real-world project experience.

● Digital Governance - The Digital India BHASHINI Division launched the VYOMA Innovation Challenge to encourage development of multilingual, voice-first AI solutions for low-connectivity regions, offering prizes up to ₹80 lakh and deployment opportunities with government departments.

Economy & Banking

● Digital Economy - According to the State of India's Digital Economy (SIDE) 2026 Report released by ICRIER-IPCIDE, India emerged as the world's 5th most digitalised economy, improving from 8th position in 2025, while also securing 4th rank globally in the CHIPS AI Index.

● Artificial Intelligence - The SIDE 2026 Report highlighted that India accounts for 19.9% of global AI users and possesses the second-largest AI talent pool in the world, reinforcing its growing leadership in digital innovation.

● FinTech & UPI - BharatPe launched BharatPe Flex, a Credit-on-UPI solution powered by YES Bank, allowing eligible users to make UPI payments through a pre-approved credit line with an interest-free repayment period of up to 45 days.

● Digital Payments - BharatPe Flex enables payments across QR codes, online shopping platforms, utility bill payments, and mobile recharges, while also offering EMI conversion options and a fully digital onboarding process.

● International Payments - NPCI International Payments Limited (NIPL) partnered with ACLEDA Bank Plc. to enable UPI payments in Cambodia through the country's KHQR network, benefiting Indian travellers and merchants through seamless cross-border transactions.

● Financial Inclusion - With Cambodia joining the network, UPI acceptance is now available in Bhutan, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, UAE, Qatar, France, and Cambodia, expanding India's global digital payment footprint.

Science & Technology

● Quantum Computing - Microsoft unveiled its AI-designed Majorana 2 Quantum Chip during Microsoft Build 2026, featuring 12 topological qubits and aiming to achieve commercially viable quantum computing systems by 2029.

● Advanced Computing - The Majorana 2 chip reportedly delivers nearly 1,000 times higher qubit reliability than earlier designs and uses lead-based materials to reduce environmental interference.

● Artificial Intelligence - Microsoft also introduced Scout, an AI-powered assistant for Microsoft 365, capable of autonomously managing schedules, emails, meetings, and workplace productivity tasks.

Awards & Honours

● Agriculture & Sustainability - Andhra Pradesh Community Managed Natural Farming (APCNF) won the prestigious Food Planet Prize 2026, one of the world's largest environmental awards, for promoting climate-resilient and chemical-free agricultural practices.

● International Recognition - The award, presented by Sweden's Curt Bergfors Foundation, carries a prize of USD 1.5 million, and APCNF was selected from over 1,000 global nominations spanning 19 countries and six continents.

● Natural Farming - Launched in 2016 under Rythu Sadhikara Samstha (RySS), APCNF has emerged as one of the world's largest agroecology initiatives and is now being replicated in countries such as Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and Zambia.

Appointments & Resignations

● International Organisations - Khalilur Rahman, Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, was elected as the President of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) after defeating Cyprus nominee Andreas Kakouris in a closely contested election.

● Diplomacy - Khalilur Rahman brings more than 40 years of diplomatic experience, having previously served in senior roles at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and as Bangladesh's National Security Adviser.

● Education Administration - The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) appointed Prashant Sitaram Lokhande, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs, as the new Chairperson of CBSE.

● Administrative Reforms - The ACC also appointed Varun Bhardwaj as CBSE Secretary, amid discussions regarding the board's On-Screen Marking (OSM) system for Class 12 examinations.

Defence & Security

● Missile Technology - The DRDO and Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully tested the indigenous RudraM-II Air-to-Surface Missile from an airborne platform, validating its performance under extreme operational conditions.

● Military Capability - The RudraM-II missile is designed for Suppression and Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (SEAD/DEAD) missions, featuring a range of 300 km, a 200 kg warhead, and speeds reaching Mach 5.5.

● Atmanirbhar Bharat in Defence - Developed by Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, the RudraM-II is expected to replace older Russian-origin Kh-31 missiles, significantly enhancing India's precision-strike capabilities.

Sports

● Athletics - India finished second at the Asian U20 Athletics Championships 2026 held in Hong Kong, China, securing 19 medals, including 10 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze medals.

● Continental Ranking - China topped the medal tally with 25 medals, while Japan finished third with 18 medals, highlighting India's growing strength in youth athletics.

● Indian Champions - Indian gold medal winners included Nitin Gupta, Amanat Kamboj, Rahul Jakhar, Pooja Singh, Nikhil Chandrashekhar, Shahnawaz Khan, Basant, Muskan, Mogali Venkatram, and the Women's 4×400m Relay Team.

Important Days

● World Bicycle Day 2026 - Observed annually on 3 June, World Bicycle Day promotes cycling as an affordable, environmentally friendly, and sustainable mode of transport supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

● Theme - The theme for World Bicycle Day 2026 is "Cycling for a Greener Future", emphasizing sustainable mobility and climate-friendly transportation solutions.

● UN Recognition - The day was officially proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) through Resolution A/RES/72/272 on 12 April 2018, following a campaign led by Leszek J. Sibilski.

Most Important Exam Facts to Remember

1. India's Digital Economy Rank (SIDE 2026): 5th globally.
2. CHIPS AI Index Rank: 4th globally.
3. Rafale Deal Value: ₹3.25 lakh crore.
4. Rafale Jets Proposed: 114.
5. Mission Senehjori Duration: 2026-2028.
6. PMRC Priority Sectors: 13.
7. Majorana 2 Qubits: 12 topological qubits.
8. Food Planet Prize Winner: APCNF.
9. Food Planet Prize Amount: USD 1.5 million.
10. RudraM-II Range: 300 km.
11. RudraM-II Speed: Mach 5.5.
12. Asian U20 Athletics: India 2nd with 19 medals.
13. World Bicycle Day: 3 June.
14. World Bicycle Day Theme: "Cycling for a Greener Future".