Latest news with #BiodiversityBeyondNationalJurisdiction
The Citizen
15-06-2025
- General
- The Citizen
SA signs agreement to advance ocean protection
South Africa has signed an agreement aimed at protecting marine biodiversity in areas of the ocean that are not under the jurisdiction of any single nation. 'As part of our long standing commitment to strengthening the rule of law in ocean affairs, South Africa played an active role in negotiating the new international Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction,' the Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Dr Dion George said on Monday. The BBNJ Agreement provides the first comprehensive global framework to protect biodiversity in the high seas and on the sea floor beyond national jurisdiction. Often referred to as the 'High Seas Treaty', it addresses critical gaps in the governance of two-thirds of the ocean that lie beyond national jurisdictions. It introduces tools such as area-based management, environmental impact assessments, capacity building and a mechanism for sharing marine genetic resources. The minister called for strengthened global co-operation, enhanced scientific collaboration and scaled-up financial and technical support to developing economy countries to enable the full and inclusive operationalisation of the legally binding BBNJ Agreement. He further encouraged all member states and regional organisations to sign and ratify the agreement without delay to ensure its timely entry into force and effective implementation, in the shared interest of safeguarding marine biodiversity for present and future generations. The minister made these remarks after the high-level signing ceremony, which took place during the third United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC3) hosted in Nice, France. Co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, UNOC3 seeks to accelerate global action to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, in support of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. In line with South Africa's existing legal frameworks, the signing of the BBNJ is expected to bolster global ocean governance and help advance local efforts to build the economy, without compromising the ocean. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Indian Express
13-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Daily subject-wise quiz : Environment and Geography MCQs on Banas River, United Nations Ocean Conference 2025 and more (Week 114)
UPSC Essentials brings to you its initiative of subject-wise quizzes. These quizzes are designed to help you revise some of the most important topics from the static part of the syllabus. Attempt today's subject quiz on Environment and Geography to check your progress. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for May 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at With reference to the High Seas Treaty, consider the following statements: 1. The treaty deals only with oceans that are outside the national jurisdiction of any country. 2. Its objective is to demarcate marine protected areas (MPAs), rather like there are protected forests or wildlife areas. 3. India has not signed the High Seas Treaty. 4. The aim of the treaty aligns with Sustainable Development Goal-10. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — At the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) in Nice, France, India announced that it is currently in the process of ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also known as the high seas treaty, and reaffirmed its commitment to conserving and using oceans sustainably, as outlined in Sustainable Development Goal-14. Hence, statement 4 is not correct. — India signed an important international agreement called the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, or the High Seas Treaty at the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2024. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. — The high seas cover 64% of the ocean surface and approximately 43% of the Earth. These habitats are home to around 2.2 million marine species and trillions of microbes. They belong to no one, and everyone has equal rights to navigation, overflight, economic operations, scientific research, and the installation of infrastructure such as underwater cables. — The convention, signed in March 2023, only applies to oceans that are not under any country's jurisdiction. Hence, statement 1 is correct. Objectives of the High Seas Treaty (i) Demarcation of marine protected areas (MPAs), rather like there are protected forests or wildlife areas; Hence, statement 2 is correct. (ii) Sustainable use of marine genetic resources and equitable sharing of benefits arising from them; (iii) Initiation of the practice of environmental impact assessments for all major activities in the oceans; and (iv) Capacity building and technology transfer. — The treaty makes it mandatory to carry out a prior environmental impact assessment (EIA) for any activity that is potentially polluting or damaging to the marine ecosystems, or to conservation efforts. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Read more: Knowledge nugget of the day: High Seas Treaty) With reference to the Banas River, consider the following statements: 1. The Banas River Basin is located in the western part of Rajasthan. 2. It is bounded in the east by Chambal river basin and in the north by Gambhir and Banganga river basins. 3. It is a tributary of the Luni River. 4. The entire length of the river flows through Rajasthan only. How many of the statements given above are correct? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) Only three (d) All four Explanation — Eight men drowned in the Banas river in Rajasthan's Tonk district, police said. About Banas River — The Banas River Basin is located in eastern Rajasthan and covers a substantial area to the east of the Aravali mountain range. Hence, statement 1 is not correct. — It is bordered in the east by the Chambal river basin, in the north by the Gambhir and Banganga river basins, in the west by the Shekhawati and Luni river basins, and in the south by the Sabarmati and Mahi river basins. It feeds into the Chambal River, which then flows into the Yamuna. Hence, statement 2 is correct. — The Banas River originates in the Khamnor Hills of the Aravali Range, approximately 5 km from Kumbhalgarh in Rajsamand District, and runs entirely through Rajasthan. Hence, statement 4 is correct. — It flows northeast through Rajasthan's Mewar area, eventually meeting the Chambal River near the village of Rameshwar in Khandar Block, Sawai Madhopur District. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (b) is the correct answer. (Other Source: South Lhonak Lake was in the news due to a devastating flood in the Teesta River. The lake is located in: (a) Sikkim (b) Arunachal Pradesh (c) Assam (d) West Bengal Explanation — Scientific studies have long demonstrated that climate change is causing Himalayan glaciers to melt at an unprecedented rate, affecting water resources, agriculture, and livelihoods. — 'Global warming is causing Himalayan glaciers to deplete, resulting in the formation of artificial lakes known as GLOFs. When they burst, they cause mayhem. In October 2023, a flood generated by South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim devastated the Teesta River valley. It wrecked the Teesta III hydroelectric dam and caused widespread damage,' says Guman Singh, an environmental activist and coordinator for Himalaya Niti Abhiyan, a grassroots organisation calling for a sustainable, mountain-specific development model in the Himalayas. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the tardigrades, which of the statements given above is/are correct? 1. They are also known as 'water bears'. 2. They have survived all five major mass extinction events that have taken place. 3. They can be found only in the deepest oceans. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Explanation — One of the scientific investigations astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla will do during his two-week stay on the International Space Station (ISS) is to investigate the recovery, survival, and reproduction of tardigrades in space. — Tardigrades, sometimes known as 'water bears,' are muscular aquatic animals that have existed for around 600 million years, 400 million years before dinosaurs roamed the earth. They have survived all five main mass extinction events that have occurred so far, and scientists anticipate they will be around long after humanity has been wiped out. Hence, statements 1 and 2 are correct. — Tardigrades are typically around 0.5 mm long when fully grown, with four pairs of legs and 4-6 claws on each foot. They also have a unique mouth that allows them to extract nutrients from plant cells, algae, and other tiny invertebrates. — Tardigrades can be found practically anywhere, including the highest mountains and the deepest oceans. Their most common habitat, however, is the thin film of water found on mosses and lichens, earning these critters the nickname 'moss piglets'. Hence, statement 3 is not correct. Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. Scientists made a surprising discovery — a mushroom growing out of the side of the frog, in the: (a) Western Ghats (b) Andaman and Nicobar Islands (c) Barak Valley (d) Eastern Himalayas Explanation — Scientists uncovered an unexpected find in India's Western Ghats foothills: a mushroom growing out of the side of a frog. This is the first time a mushroom has been witnessed growing from a living organism. — On June 19, 2023, the researchers discovered several 'Rao's Golden-backed frogs' in a rainwater-fed pond on the roadside in the foothills of the Kudremukha mountains near Mala, Karkala, Karnataka. However, one of the frogs appeared to have a white growth on the right side of its body. As it turned out, that was a mushroom growing from a live frog. — The frog was not taken; rather, the researchers photographed it and described it in a note published in the journal Reptiles and Amphibians. Fungus experts who examined the photographs identified the white growth as a Bonnet mushroom, which often grows on dead and rotting wood. — There are numerous fungi that form symbiotic relationships with other creatures. Some are parasitic, causing illnesses such as mucormycosis, sometimes known as 'black fungus.' The Independent, however, reports that this is the first time a fungus has been seen growing on a living organism. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. With reference to the United Nations Ocean Conference 2025, consider the following statements. 1. France and Colombia are co-organizing the Conference. 2. The overarching theme of the Conference is 'Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean' 3. This is the first ever Conference on Ocean by the United Nations. Which of the statements given above is/are true? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 1 only (c) 2 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 only Explanation — France and Costa Rica are co-organizing the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) in Nice from June 9 to 13, 2025. The overarching theme of the Conference is 'Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean.' Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer (Source: Consider the following statements: 1. It is inhabited by the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses. 2. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 3. The Endangered Ganges dolphin is found in some of the closed oxbow lakes of this site. Which is the site that the above statements indicate? (a) Khangchendzonga National Park (b) Keoladeo National Park (c) Kaziranga National Park (d) Manas Wildlife Sanctuary Explanation According to UNESCO World Heritage Convention: — 'Kaziranga National Park represents one of the last unmodified natural areas in the north-eastern region of India. Covering 42,996 ha, and located in the State of Assam it is the single largest undisturbed and representative area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplain…The park's contribution in saving the Indian one-horned rhinoceros from the brink of extinction at the turn of the 20th century to harbouring the single largest population of this species is a spectacular conservation achievement. The property also harbours significant populations of other threatened species including tigers, elephants, wild water buffalo and bears as well as aquatic species including the Ganges River dolphin.' Therefore, option (c) is the correct answer. The biography titled 'The Man Who Fed the World' is based on the life and achievements of which of the following internationally renowned figures? (a). Norman Borlaug (b). (c). Lester R. Brown (d). Rachel Carson Explanation — 'The Man Who Fed the World: Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Norman Borlaug and His Battle to End World Hunger' is a biography written by Leon Hesser. Therefore, option (a) is the correct answer. Daily Subject-wise quiz — History, Culture, and Social Issues (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Polity and Governance (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Science and Technology (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Economy (Week 114) Daily subject-wise quiz — Environment and Geography (Week 113) Daily subject-wise quiz – International Relations (Week 113) Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter and stay updated with the news cues from the past week. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. Manas Srivastava is currently working as Senior Copy Editor with The Indian Express (digital) and leads a unique initiative of IE - UPSC Essentials. He majorly writes on UPSC, other competitive exams and education-related projects. In the past, Manas has represented India at the G-20 Youth Summit in Mexico. He is a former member of the Youth Council, GOI. A two-time topper/gold medallist in History (both in graduation and post-graduation) from Delhi University, he has mentored and taught UPSC aspirants for more than four years. His diverse role in The Indian Express consists of writing, editing, anchoring/ hosting, interviewing experts, and curating and simplifying news for the benefit of students. He hosts the YouTube talk show called 'Art and Culture with Devdutt Pattanaik' and a LIVE series on Instagram and YouTube called 'You Ask We Answer'.His talks on 'How to read a newspaper' focus on newspaper reading as an essential habit for students. His articles and videos aim at finding solutions to the general queries of students and hence he believes in being students' editor, preparing them not just for any exam but helping them to become informed citizens. This is where he makes his teaching profession meet journalism. He is also the editor of UPSC Essentials' monthly magazine for the aspirants. He is a recipient of the Dip Chand Memorial Award, the Lala Ram Mohan Prize and Prof. Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize for academic excellence. He was also awarded the University's Post-Graduate Scholarship for pursuing M.A. in History where he chose to specialise in Ancient India due to his keen interest in Archaeology. He has also successfully completed a Certificate course on Women's Studies by the Women's Studies Development Centre, DU. As a part of N.S.S in the past, Manas has worked with national and international organisations and has shown keen interest and active participation in Social Service. He has led and been a part of projects involving areas such as gender sensitisation, persons with disability, helping slum dwellers, environment, adopting our heritage programme. He has also presented a case study on 'Psychological stress among students' at ICSQCC- Sri Lanka. As a compere for seminars and other events he likes to keep his orating hobby alive. His interests also lie in International Relations, Governance, Social issues, Essays and poetry. ... Read More
The Hindu
11-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
India unlikely to ratify ‘High Seas Treaty' at U.N. Ocean Conference
India is unlikely to ratify the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement—also known informally as the 'High Seas Treaty'—at the ongoing United Nations Ocean Conference in Nice, France, sources indicated to The Hindu. Though India signed the agreement in September 2024, formal ratification is pending. Before proceeding, the government is required to amend certain legislations, including the Biological Diversity Act, it is learnt. 'This will probably be taken up after the Monsoon Session (July 12–August 12) and needs to be passed in Parliament. There are other issues that also need to be sorted out,' a person familiar with the negotiations said. As of June 10, 49 countries have ratified the treaty. Once 60 countries complete the process, the treaty will enter into legal force. Union Minister for Science and Technology Jitendra Singh, who is representing India at the conference, which continues until June 13, stated in France that India was in the 'process of ratifying the treaty.' One of the most contentious aspects of the BBNJ is the sharing of resources. The high seas, lying beyond the exclusive economic zones (EEZ) of nations, are not under the jurisdiction of any single country. These areas are known to harbour unique and exotic marine life. While commercial extraction remains technically challenging, a clear mechanism for equitable sharing of potential economic benefits is yet to be finalised. In addition to resource sharing, the BBNJ agreement seeks to address long-term conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. It lays out mechanisms for environmental impact assessments, area-based management tools, and enhanced international cooperation for ocean governance. In his address on June 10, Dr. Singh highlighted India's progress on Samudrayaan, the country's manned submersible mission, which is expected to reach ocean depths of up to 6,000 metres and is slated for a trial dive in 2026. He also referred to India's nationwide ban on single-use plastics and highlighted more than $80 billion in Blue Economy investments. India reiterated its call for a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty and launched the 'SAHAV' digital ocean data portal at the conference, underscoring its growing leadership in global marine conservation efforts. The conference is being co-hosted by France and Costa Rica under the theme, 'Accelerating Action and Mobilizing All Actors to Conserve and Sustainably Use the Ocean.'
Indian Express
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
India in the process of ratifying high seas treaty: Union MoS Jitendra Singh
India said Tuesday that it is currently in the process of ratifying the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) agreement, also known as the high seas treaty and reaffirmed its commitment to conserve and use oceans sustainably, as laid down in Sustainable Development Goal-14 at the United Nations Oceans Conference (UNOC) at Nice, France. Union MoS (Independent Charge) for Earth Sciences, Jitendra Singh put forth India's statement at the conference and spelt out India's proposed six-point strategic initiatives for 'clean and healthy oceans'. He said India's efforts will align with the theme of Ocean Action Panel-4, which focuses on preventing marine pollution from land based sources. He said India supports the Nice ocean action panels which prioritises actionable outcomes, innovative financing and inclusive partnerships for achieving SDG. 'India has already signed the biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction agreement and is currently in the process of ratification. This underscores our commitment to conserving marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction,' he said.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
India calls for urgent global action to protect ocean, commits to early ratification of High Seas Treaty
Image used for representative image NEW DELHI: India on Tuesday called for urgent global action on ocean health at the 3rd UN Ocean Conference in Nice, France, with Union minister of earth sciences Jitendra Singh urging the international community to invest in innovation, ratify the 'High Seas Treaty', and finalise a legally binding agreement to end plastic pollution. 'The ocean is our shared heritage and responsibility,' said Singh, expressing India's readiness to work with all stakeholders - govts, the private sector, civil society, and indigenous communities - to ensure a sustainable ocean future. He was delivering the country's statement at the conference. One of the core objectives of the five-day conference, which is co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, is to help bring into force the landmark 'High Seas Treaty' - Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement - adopted in 2023 to safeguard life in international waters through long-term protection of marine biodiversity in the high seas. Once ratified by 60 countries, it will become law of the sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. Fifty members (49 countries and the EU) have already submitted their ratifications, while 15 others, including India, committed to doing it soon, paving the way for its coming into force in the next four months. Singh, while addressing the conference, also highlighted the multiple measures being taken by India in sync with its commitment to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14: Life Below Water, and outlined how the country's initiatives are aimed at reversing ocean degradation through science, innovation, and inclusive partnerships. He shared the progress made on India's Deep Ocean Mission and its 'Samudrayaan' project, which is expected to deploy the country's first manned submersible by 2026. The project aims to explore ocean depths up to 6,000 meters and is seen as a major leap in India's scientific capability. A nationwide ban on single-use plastic items of high littering potential, implementation of over $80 billion worth of 'Blue Economy' projects, supporting a legally binding global plastics treaty, and the launch of the 'SAHAV' digital ocean data portal are some of the initiatives which found prominence in the minister's speech at the global forum. The SAHAV portal - a GIS-based decision support system - works as a tool to empower policymakers, researchers, and communities with real-time spatial data, enabling smarter planning and stronger marine resilience. Singh also spoke of expanding India's marine protected areas, which now cover 6.6% of the Exclusive Economic Zone, contributing to global biodiversity goals. He underlined that India has integrated ocean-based climate actions into its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
