On June 08th, 2025, India marked developments highlighting major developments across climate, infrastructure, and governance. India’s recent global engagements reflect its focus on sustainability, security, and development. At the UN Ocean Conference, India reinforced its commitment to ocean conservation. A World Bank report highlighted the upliftment of 27 crore people from poverty, while BRICS nations backed India’s zero-tolerance stance on terrorism after the Pahalgam attack. These developments underscore India's growing role on global and domestic fronts.

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:

Union Minister Jitendra Singh Leads Indian Delegation to UN Ocean Conference in France

Source: AIR

Syllabus:

• GS II: International Relations – Global institutions and agreements
• GS III: Environment – Conservation and marine ecosystem management

In News

• Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh is leading the Indian delegation to the UN Ocean Conference in France. 

• The conference aims to accelerate global efforts to tackle marine pollution, overfishing, and the impacts of climate change on oceans. 

• India’s participation highlights its commitment to sustainable ocean governance and the blue economy.

India’s Ocean Conservation Efforts

• Deep Ocean Mission: Explores deep-sea resources; promotes sustainable use of marine wealth.
• Blue Economy Policy: Focuses on harnessing ocean resources for growth while maintaining ecosystem health.
• Swachh Sagar, Surakshit Sagar: Public-led coastal cleanup initiative.
• CRZ Notification: Regulates coastal development to protect ecosystems.
• Marine Protected Areas (MPAs): Designated zones for marine biodiversity conservation.
• Global Engagement: Active in UNCLOS, regional maritime cooperation, and multilateral marine conservation efforts.

Why Does It Matter?

• Global Leadership: Reinforces India’s responsible approach to ocean sustainability.
• Strategic Interests: Safeguards India's 7,500+ km coastline, maritime trade, and marine biodiversity.
• Climate Resilience: Healthy oceans are key to global climate regulation and food security.
• Knowledge Exchange: Allows India to share marine expertise and learn global best practices.

Challenges in Ocean Governance

• Marine plastic and microplastic pollution
• Ocean acidification from CO₂ absorption
• Overfishing and fish stock depletion
• IUU fishing activities
• Rising sea levels and erosion
• Maritime boundary disputes and resource competition

27 Crore Indians Lifted Out of Extreme Poverty in 11 Years – World Bank

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus:

• GS I: Indian Society – Poverty and developmental issues
• GS II: Welfare schemes and policies
• GS III: Economic development, growth, and employment

In News

• A World Bank report highlights that nearly 27 crore people in India exited extreme poverty between 2011 and 2022. 

• This reflects the success of economic growth and targeted welfare schemes in reducing poverty.

What is Extreme Poverty?

• Defined by the World Bank: Living on less than $2.15/day (2017 PPP).
• India's Measures: Based on national consumption data (Tendulkar/Rangarajan methodology).
• Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): Measures poverty beyond income—includes health, education, and living standards.

What Helped Reduce Poverty?

• Sustained Economic Growth: Growth in GDP increased job and income opportunities.
• Welfare Schemes:
  • PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY): Financial inclusion
  • MGNREGA: Guaranteed rural wage employment
  • PM Awas Yojana (PMAY): Affordable housing
  • PM-KISAN: Direct income support to farmers
  • NFSA: Access to subsidized food
  • PM Ujjwala Yojana: Clean cooking fuel access
• Better Human Development Indicators: Access to education and healthcare
• Demographic Dividend: Young working population driving productivity
• Formalization of Economy: GST, digital payments, Aadhaar-linked DBT

Challenges That Remain

• Poverty Disparities: Rural–urban, caste, tribal, and gender gaps persist
• Economic Vulnerability: Many are just above the poverty line and vulnerable to shocks
• Low-Quality Employment: Informal jobs and underemployment are common
• Inequality: Rising income and wealth disparities
• Nutrition Gaps: Food access doesn’t always mean nutrition sufficiency

Significance of the Report

• Validates success of poverty alleviation programs
• Encourages evidence-based policymaking
• Highlights target areas for reform and investment

BRICS Condemns Pahalgam Attack; Supports Zero Tolerance for Terrorism

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS II: International Relations – Multilateral forums; Security and terrorism

In News

• BRICS countries have jointly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam (J&K) and reiterated their commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism. 

• This united stance strengthens the message of global solidarity against terrorism.

BRICS on Terrorism

• Unified Stance: Condemns terrorism in all forms, regardless of motivation or location
• Zero Tolerance: Opposes support for terrorists, including funding, training, and safe havens
• Global Cooperation: Urges stronger international coordination, early adoption of UN’s Comprehensive Convention on International Terrorism (CCIT)
• No Double Standards: Emphasizes non-selective action, aligning with India’s stance

Significance of BRICS Statement

• Strengthens India’s Position: Supports India’s long-standing concerns on terrorism
• Diplomatic Impact: Pressures nations accused of harboring or funding terrorists

Security Cooperation: Promotes intelligence sharing and joint action plans among member countries