On June 09th, 2025, India marked developments highlighting major developments across climate, infrastructure, and governance. India is strengthening its global and technological footprint through strategic defense, space, and innovation initiatives. The ‘Nomadic Elephant’ military exercise deepens defense ties with Mongolia, while astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla’s participation in the Axiom-4 mission marks India’s return to space after four decades. Meanwhile, DRDO’s tech transfer to Indian firms promotes self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Awareness regarding daily UPSC current affairs is crucial for cracking the UPSC Prelims, excelling in UPSC Mains. It helps perform well in the UPSC personality test, thus becoming an informed and effective UPSC civil servant.

Below are the current affairs and headlines of the day taken from The Hindu, Indian Express, Press Information Bureau & All India Radio as required for UPSC preparation:

India-Norway strengthen blue economy ties at Monaco Marine conference

Source: AIR

Syllabus: GS Paper II – International Relations

In News

• India and Norway reaffirmed their commitment to deepening cooperation in the blue economy at the Monaco Marine Conference. 

• This reflects their shared interest in promoting sustainable use of ocean resources while ensuring ecological balance and economic growth.

India-Norway Relations in the Blue Economy

India and Norway have a history of cooperation in maritime research and ocean management. In 2019, they set up a Joint Task Force on the Blue Economy to identify and work on specific areas of collaboration. These include promoting sustainable fishing, tackling marine pollution such as plastics, developing offshore wind and ocean energy, sharing aquaculture technologies, improving green port infrastructure, advancing marine biotech, and conducting joint research on ocean health and climate impacts.

Significance of India-Norway Blue Economy Partnership

• Both countries have long coastlines and significant maritime interests.
• Norway is a global leader in sustainable ocean management and marine technology.
• India offers vast potential with its growing coastal economy and energy needs.
• The partnership supports Sustainable Development Goal 14 (Life Below Water).
• It encourages ocean-based climate solutions for mitigation and adaptation.

Challenges in Blue Economy Development

• Marine pollution from plastic, sewage, and industrial waste.
• Overfishing and depletion of marine biodiversity.
• Climate change impacts like sea-level rise and ocean acidification.
• Gaps in scientific data and ocean resource mapping.
• Ensuring equitable benefits for coastal communities.
• Limited access to advanced technology and funding for deep-sea ventures.

India–Mongolia Hold 17th ‘Nomadic Elephant’ Military Exercise in Ulaanbaatar

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper II – International Relations

In News

• The 17th edition of the joint military exercise ‘Nomadic Elephant’ has started in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, involving contingents from the Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces. 

• This annual exercise strengthens defense cooperation and military diplomacy between the two countries.

What is 'Nomadic Elephant'?

• Type: Annual bilateral joint military exercise
• Participants: Indian Army and Mongolian Armed Forces
• Objective:
  • Enhance defense cooperation
  • Improve interoperability
  • Share best practices in counter-terrorism operations
  • Strengthen military-to-military relations and build mutual understanding
• Significance:
• This exercise reflects India and Mongolia’s deepening defense partnership, especially in the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia. It also highlights India's growing role in regional security through cooperation and capacity building.

India's Act East Policy, Look East Policy, and other bilateral military exercises like Yudh Abhyas, Vajra Prahar, Garuda Shakti

Indian Astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla to Fly on Axiom-4 Mission – India’s Return to Space After 41 Years

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III – Science and Technology

In News

• Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, along with three international astronauts, will participate in the Axiom-4 private space mission, making India’s return to spaceflight after 41 years. 

• The last Indian in space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984.

What is the Axiom-4 Mission?

• Organized by: Axiom Space, a US-based private company
• Destination: International Space Station (ISS)
• Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket using the Crew Dragon capsule
• Duration: A multi-day stay at the ISS
• Purpose:
  • Scientific research
  • Technology demonstration
  • Commercial and educational outreach activities

Significance for India

• Return to Human Spaceflight: First time in over four decades that an Indian will travel to space, reinforcing India’s commitment to space exploration.
• Supports the Gaganyaan Mission: The experience from Axiom-4 will aid in refining procedures and astronaut training for India’s first indigenous human spaceflight mission, Gaganyaan.
• Strengthens International Collaboration:
  • Highlights India's growing participation in global space partnerships and commercial space missions.
  • Moves beyond government-only missions into the domain of private space ventures.
• Boosts Private Space Sector:
  • Encourages investment and participation from Indian private space startups and industries.
  • Helps build a robust commercial ecosystem in the Indian space sector.
• Inspires Youth and Scientific Community:
  • Motivates students and researchers in STEM fields.
  • Showcases India’s scientific capabilities and ambition in space technology.

ISRO’s major missions like Chandrayaan, Mangalyaan, Aditya-L1, and India’s space policy

DRDO Transfers 9 Defence Technologies to 10 Indian Companies

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS Paper III – Science & Technology

In News

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has transferred nine defense technologies to ten Indian defense firms. 

• This aims to boost local defense manufacturing and promote Aatmanirbhar Bharat (Self-Reliant India).

Significance of This Move

• Strengthens Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defense:
  • Reduces foreign dependence
  • Encourages innovation and capability development in Indian firms
• Boosts Industrial Growth:
  • Empowers domestic defense firms
  • Generates employment and promotes entrepreneurship in the defense ecosystem
• Enhances Strategic Autonomy:
  • Ensures India can meet its defense needs using indigenous technologies
• Improves Cost-Efficiency:
  • Indigenous production reduces long-term costs and ensures timely upgrades and maintenance
• Promotes Exports:
  • Provides Indian firms with potential to export defense equipment
  • Raises India's global defense market footprint
• Builds Innovation Ecosystem:
  • Encourages R&D and technological advancements in the private sector

Challenges in Indigenization

• High R&D investment and long gestation periods
• Dependence on imports for key components
• Inadequate infrastructure for testing and certification
• Funding bottlenecks and execution delays
• Need for robust quality control mechanisms

Government Initiatives Supporting Indigenization

• Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) 2020: Prioritizes Indian vendors under ‘Buy Indian’ and ‘Make in India’ categories
• Defence Industrial Corridors (DICs): Set up in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu
• iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence): Supports defense startups and MSMEs
• Negative Import List: Gradual ban on imports of selected defense items
• Increased FDI: Raised FDI cap in defense sector to attract foreign investment with tech transfer