On June 06th, 2025, India marked developments highlighting major developments across climate, infrastructure, and governance. The Earth is nearing the critical 1.5°C global warming threshold, sparking urgent environmental concerns. Amid this, the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) — a strategic trade initiative — faces delays due to geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Domestically, India gears up for its first-ever digital and caste-inclusive Census after a 16-year gap, aiming to reshape planning and resource distribution. 

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:

World Crossed 1.5°C?

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper III – Environment

IN NEWS:

• 2023 and 2024 saw record global heat, with warnings of temporary breach of the 1.5°C global warming threshold.

• Climate-related disasters such as floods in Spain, heatwaves in India, and rising CO₂ emissions dominate environmental discourse.

• World Environment Day (June 5, 2025) has renewed focus on global environmental challenges.

Know more about Global Warming and Climate Change!

Did the World Really Cross 1.5°C?

• Uncertain, but likely (temporarily):
  • 2023 recorded a GMT increase of 1.48°C.
  • Temporary overshoots ≠ long-term breaches under the Paris Agreement.
• Regardless, rising temperatures are linked to worsening climate impacts.

Is Global Warming Becoming a Distraction?

• Yes, partly:
  • Overfocus on 1.5°C vs 2°C diverts attention from local adaptation and disaster preparedness.
  • Models for 2100 are speculative — policy should focus on medium-term local solutions.

How is India Positioned?

• Per capita emissions: ~1.9 tonnes/year vs. USA's 14.7 tonnes.
• Vulnerable to:
  • Heatwaves, erratic monsoons, rising sea levels.
• Dual role: both a climate victim and contributor.

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper II – International Relations, Infrastructure

IN NEWS:

• A senior MEA official noted that IMEC is delayed due to the West Asia crisis and challenges like competition from China’s BRI.

• Originally announced at the G20 Summit in New Delhi (Sept 2023).

Why is there a Delay?

• West Asia Crisis:
  • Israel–Gaza conflict, Houthi disruptions in Red Sea, Iran’s involvement → regional instability.
• Harmonisation challenges:
  • Differing customs rules, digital standards, trade policies.
• Institutional Gaps:
  • No central IMEC secretariat or financing mechanism.
• BRI Competition:
  • China’s BRI has deeper financial backing (AIIB, Silk Road Fund).

Strategic Significance for India

• Counters China’s influence in Eurasia.
• Strengthens India’s ties with Gulf and European markets.
• Enhances energy, logistics, and trade connectivity.
• Supports a rules-based international infrastructure order.

Know more about the Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment (PGII)!

16th Census of India

Source: The Hindu 

Syllabus: GS Paper II – Governance and Polity

IN NEWS:

• The 16th Census will be completed by March 1, 2027, after a 16-year gap since the last in 2011.

• First ever digital Census and first to include caste enumeration post-Independence.

• Official schedule expected by June 16, 2025.

Background

• First Census: 1872 (non-synchronous), 1881 (first synchronous).
• Constitutional and legal basis: Census Act, 1948.
• Last census: 2011. 2021 Census delayed due to COVID-19.

Read the article on the Socio Economic Caste Census!

New Features of 16th Census

• Digital Census:
  • Use of mobile apps by enumerators.
  • Real-time data storage and analytics.
• Caste Enumeration:
  • Castes beyond SC/ST to be included.
  • Separate caste box next to SC/ST columns.
• Reference Dates:
  • March 1, 2027 for most parts.
  • October 1, 2026 for snow-bound regions.
• Updated Training:
  • Focused on digital tools and caste enumeration standards.

Use of Existing Enumeration Blocks

• Pre-finalised 2021 blocks to be used → ensures continuity and saves time.

Significance

• Critical for policy formulation, welfare targeting, resource allocation.
• Enables delimitation of Lok Sabha constituencies post-2026, based on latest demographic data.

Caste data will aid in affirmative action reforms and social justice policies.