Daily Current Affairs — 11 September 2025
5 articles • UPSC Prelims & Mains
GST Reforms to Boost India’s Drone Ecosystem
Context The slash in GST for drones by fixing it at a uniform 5 percent in the 56th GST Council meet is set to boost the countrys rapidly growing drone ecosystem. Drone Ecosystem According to industry estimates, the global drone market is valued at over $30 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach $90–100 billion by 2030, driven by rapid adoption of AI, automation, and 5G integration. India is incentivising indigenous drone and counter-drone technologies with USD 230 million support packages, t
Significance of Offshore Aquifers
Context Scientists have confirmed the existence of a massive offshore freshwater aquifer beneath the Atlantic Ocean, stretching from New Jersey to Maine, marking the first systematic global expedition to drill for undersea groundwater. What are Offshore Aquifers? Offshore aquifers are underground bodies of porous rock or sediment saturated with freshwater, located beneath the sea floor.
National Policy on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF)
Context India is formulating a national policy on Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) alongside a long-term roadmap through 2050, as part of its efforts to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2070. About the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) It is a bio-based alternative to fossil-derived jet fuel that can be produced from non-edible oils, used cooking oil, algae, and agricultural waste.
Indian Ocean Region: Opportunities and Challenges
Context The 48th Annual Conference on Oceans Law Policy (COLP48) was held under the theme “Developing World Approaches to Ocean Governance: Perspectives from the Indian Ocean Rim”. About 48th Annual Conference on Oceans Law Policy (COLP48) This is the first time in the nearly five-decade history of COLP that the conference is being hosted in the Indian subcontinent. The conference is organised by the Stockton Center for International Law, U.S.
India set to be Among Top Five Shipbuilding Nations by 2047
Context With less than 1% share in global shipbuilding currently, India is on course to be among the world’s top five countries in this arena by 2047. About Shipbuilding Shipbuilding refers to the construction, repair, and maintenance of vessels used for transportation, defense, and trade. Shipbuilding is carried out in specialised facilities called shipyards, which are equipped to handle large-scale projects and complex assembly processes.