The BBNJ Agreement, also known as the High Seas Treaty, is a legal framework designed to protect the ecological health of oceans, particularly in areas beyond national jurisdictions. It was adopted in 2023 under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and aims to ensure the sustainable use of marine resources, conserve biodiversity, and reduce pollution in the high seas.
Marine Protected Areas (MPAs):
Establishes Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) similar to national parks or wildlife sanctuaries but for oceans. These MPAs regulate human activities to protect marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Regulating Extractive Activities:
The agreement puts restrictions on extractive activities such as seabed mining, fishing, and resource extraction in the high seas to ensure that these activities are sustainable and do not harm the marine environment.
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs):
Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs) are now mandatory for any major oceanic projects, even those conducted within national waters, if they have potential to harm the high seas. This ensures that the cumulative impacts on the global marine environment are considered.
Fair Benefit Sharing:
The treaty ensures that benefits derived from the marine resources, such as genetic materials, marine organisms, and biotechnology, are fairly distributed, especially with regard to developing nations.
Support for Developing Nations:
The agreement includes provisions to assist developing nations in accessing marine technologies and resources, which helps them conserve biodiversity while gaining access to sustainable marine benefits.
Signing: Over 140 countries have signed the treaty, indicating their commitment to the goals of the agreement.
Ratification: As of August 2025, 55 countries have ratified the treaty, which legally binds them to its provisions. India signed the BBNJ Agreement in 2024 but has not yet ratified it.
Signing a treaty signifies intent, but ratification is necessary for the treaty to have binding legal effects within the country.
High Seas refer to oceanic areas that are beyond the jurisdiction of any one nation. These waters are not part of a nation’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), which extends up to 200 nautical miles (approximately 370 km) from the coastline.
No single country has jurisdiction or responsibility for resource management in these areas. As a result, the high seas have historically been under-governed, with minimal protection for their ecosystems.
Significance: The high seas cover 64% of the world’s oceans and constitute about 50% of the Earth's surface. They play a crucial role in climate regulation, carbon absorption, and heat distribution. They are also vital for marine biodiversity and provide key resources like seafood, genetic resources, medicinal compounds, and raw materials.
Current Protection: Only about 1% of the high seas are currently protected, which makes the BBNJ Agreement especially significant in ensuring that the biodiversity of these areas is safeguarded.
UNCLOS is an international treaty that was adopted in 1982 and provides the legal framework for the governance of marine and maritime activities.
The treaty divides the ocean into five distinct zones:
Internal Waters (waters within a nation's borders),
Territorial Sea (up to 12 nautical miles from the coast),
Contiguous Zone (up to 24 nautical miles),
Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) (up to 200 nautical miles),
High Seas (areas beyond the jurisdiction of any country).
India’s Ministry of Earth Sciences has recently set up a 12-member panel tasked with implementing a new law to safeguard the country’s interests in the high seas in line with the BBNJ Agreement. While India signed the BBNJ Agreement in 2024, it has not yet ratified it.
The formation of the panel suggests India’s proactive approach to ensuring that its maritime interests are well-represented and protected as the high seas become subject to more international regulation.
The BBNJ Agreement is a groundbreaking step toward global marine conservation and sustainable resource use. As nations like India prepare to align their policies with the treaty, it is crucial to establish frameworks that will safeguard the high seas from over-exploitation, ensuring that these vital ecosystems are preserved for future generations
As the Great Salt Lake continues to shrink due to prolonged drought, water diversion, and rising temperatures, scientists have begun discovering mysterious groundwater-fed oases beneath the drying lakebed.
Location:
Situated in northern Utah, United States, the Great Salt Lake is the largest inland body of saltwater in the Western Hemisphere.
Salinity and Composition:
The lake is highly saline, with salts primarily made up of sodium chloride, as well as sulfates, magnesium, and potassium.
Its salinity is much higher than that of the oceans due to high evaporation rates that exceed the inflow of freshwater from rivers.
Geographic Details:
Length: 120 km
Width: Maximum of 45 km
Average Depth: 4.9 meters
Maximum Depth: 10 meters
River Systems:
The lake is fed by three major rivers: Bear River, Weber River, and Jordan River. It has no outlet, which contributes to its high salinity as the water only leaves the lake through evaporation.
Historical Size Variations:
Highest levels: Around 6,200 sq.km. in 1873 and again in the mid-1980s.
Lowest levels: The lake’s surface area dropped to about 2,300 sq.km. in 2022, a dramatic reduction.
The lake’s size fluctuates primarily due to evaporation rates and the flow volume of the rivers feeding it.
Shrinking Water Levels: The lake has been shrinking rapidly in recent decades, raising concerns about its ecological health and the environmental impact on the surrounding region.
Climate Change and water diversions for agricultural and urban needs are contributing to the decreasing water levels.
Impact on Ecosystem:
The shrinking of the lake has led to habitat loss for numerous species, especially migratory birds that rely on the lake as a stopover point on their migratory routes.
The exposed lakebed also releases toxic dust into the air, contributing to air quality issues in nearby cities.
Discovery of Groundwater Oases:
Beneath the shrinking lakebed, scientists have uncovered hidden groundwater-fed oases that may harbor unique, previously unknown ecosystems.
These groundwater sources could provide a lifeline to the local biodiversity, allowing some forms of life to survive in the absence of surface water.
As the lake shrinks due to environmental factors, researchers are exploring groundwater-fed oases that have been hidden for centuries under the lake. These areas are thought to be supported by underground water sources that feed into the lakebed.
These areas could harbor ecosystems that have evolved in isolation, similar to other extreme environments like the Dead Sea or salt flats.
The discovery of these oases has prompted further studies on how groundwater in saline environments sustains life and contributes to the water cycle in arid regions.
Marine Life: The Great Salt Lake is home to several species of brine shrimp and microbial life that thrive in its highly saline environment.
Bird Migration: The lake serves as a crucial stopover for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway, providing habitat for millions of birds each year.
Ongoing Drought: Utah’s ongoing drought conditions continue to exacerbate the shrinking of the lake, leaving fewer resources for the diverse ecosystems that depend on it.
Human Impact: Urban development, agricultural water usage, and climate change are significant contributors to the lake’s diminishing size.
The Great Salt Lake stands at a critical juncture. As its size continues to fluctuate dramatically, the discovery of hidden groundwater-fed oases could offer some hope for preserving the lake's unique ecosystems. However, the shrinking of the lake underscores broader environmental challenges, including water management, climate change, and the protection of fragile ecosystems. Continued research and sustainable management of water resources will be key to ensuring the lake’s future ecological health
The Supreme Court of India has recently issued notice on a plea from members of the Koya tribe. The plea challenges the Telangana High Court's order on the Scheduled Tribe (ST) status of communities such as Lambadi, Sugali, and Banjara. The dispute centers around the impact on reservation benefits for these communities, highlighting the ongoing tensions regarding the recognition of tribal status and the allocation of reservations in education and employment.
Geographic Location:
The Koya tribe is one of the few multi-racial and multi-lingual tribal communities in India.
They primarily live in the forests, plains, and valleys on both sides of the Godavari River, spanning the states of Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.
Population:
According to the 2011 Census, the total population of the Koya tribe in India is 738,629 individuals.
Tribal Identity:
The Koyas refer to themselves as "Koithur".
They are believed to have migrated from their original home in Bastar, which is in northern India, to central India over time.
The Koyas speak Koya language, also called Koya Basha, which belongs to the Dravidian language family.
The Koya language is closely related to Gondi and has been influenced by Telugu.
In addition to Koya, most Koyas also speak Gondi or Telugu.
Traditionally, the Koya tribe was involved in pastoralism and shifting cultivation. However, in recent years, they have moved toward settled cultivation, with animal husbandry and seasonal forest collection supplementing their agricultural practices.
The main crops grown by the Koyas include Jowar, Ragi, Bajra, and other millets.
Social Structure:
The Koya tribe is divided into five sub-divisions or gotrams, and individuals are born into specific clans that they cannot leave.
Patrilineal and Patrilocal systems dominate Koya family structures, with the nuclear family being the predominant family unit.
Marriage:
Monogamy is common among the Koyas.
Village Life:
The Koyas traditionally live in villages located near reliable water sources.
Village sizes can vary, from small settlements with just a few houses to larger ones with over sixty houses.
Each village is headed by a chief called the "Peda".
Religious Practices:
The Koyas follow their own ethnic religion but also worship several Hindu gods and goddesses.
Mother Earth is the most important deity for the Koyas.
They maintain community funds and grain banks to help needy families and provide food security at the village level.
Funeral Practices:
The Koyas either bury or cremate their deceased.
They sometimes erect menhirs (standing stones) as memorials for the dead.
The Koya tribe celebrates several festivals, including:
Vijji Pandum: A festival to charm seeds.
Kondala Kolupu: A festival to appease hill deities.
The Koyas are also known for their vibrant dance called the Permakok or Bison Horn Dance, which is performed during festivals and marriage ceremonies. The dance is characterized by its colorful and energetic performances.
Supreme Court Notice: The Koya tribe has been involved in a legal battle concerning their Scheduled Tribe (ST) status and the impact of this on reservation benefits. The Telangana High Court had issued a ruling that some communities, including Lambadi, Sugali, and Banjara, might no longer qualify as STs. This has led to concerns among the Koya tribe, as it could affect their access to the benefits of reservations in government jobs, education, and other areas.
The Koya tribe is a unique and culturally rich community with a deep connection to the land and traditions of central India. While they have made the transition to more settled agricultural practices, their cultural and social structures remain deeply tied to their tribal heritage. The ongoing legal challenges surrounding the ST status of various communities, including the Koyas, highlight the complexities of India's reservation system and the need for careful consideration of the social and economic impacts on marginalized communities
The Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025 has been announced for Educate Girls, an Indian non-governmental organization (NGO) that works to promote education for underprivileged girls across India. This recognition is a testament to the organization's transformative leadership and its impactful work in improving access to education for marginalized girls in rural and underserved areas.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award is considered Asia's premier prize and one of its highest honors. The award celebrates greatness of spirit and transformative leadership in Asia, recognizing individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to public service and social good.
Established: The award was established in 1957 in honor of Ramon Magsaysay, the President of the Philippines, who is remembered for his leadership and commitment to public service.
Award Presentation: The winners are presented with a certificate and a medallion featuring the image of Ramon Magsaysay in profile. The formal award ceremonies are held annually on August 31st, the birth anniversary of Ramon Magsaysay, in Manila, Philippines.
From its inception until 2008, the Ramon Magsaysay Award was given in the following six categories:
Government Service: For outstanding service in public government branches (executive, judicial, legislative, or military).
Public Service: For remarkable service to the public good by a private citizen.
Community Leadership: For leadership in assisting disadvantaged communities in improving their opportunities and lives.
Journalism, Literature, and Creative Communication Arts: For effective use of writing, publishing, photography, or media in advancing the public good.
Peace and International Understanding: For contributions to promoting peace, friendship, and tolerance between countries and communities.
Emergent Leadership: Introduced in 2000, this category recognizes young leaders (under 40 years) who demonstrate outstanding social change leadership in their communities but may not yet have broad recognition beyond those communities. It is supported by a grant from the Ford Foundation.
Starting in 2009, the Ramon Magsaysay Award no longer gives fixed awards in categories, except for Emergent Leadership.
The award has become more flexible in recognizing excellence across various fields of social impact and leadership.
Mission: Educate Girls works to bridge the gender gap in education by providing educational opportunities to girls in underprivileged and rural communities.
Impact: The organization focuses on enhancing learning outcomes, increasing enrollment, and reducing the gender disparity in education.
Educate Girls works in remote rural areas and aims to empower girls to complete their education, providing them with the tools they need to succeed and improve their communities.
The award highlights India's commitment to advancing education and social change, especially for girls in marginalized communities. By recognizing Educate Girls, the Ramon Magsaysay Award draws attention to the challenges of gender inequality in education and the transformative impact that education can have in creating sustainable social change.
The Ramon Magsaysay Award 2025 for Educate Girls serves as an inspiration for continued efforts in addressing social challenges, especially in ensuring equal educational opportunities for girls in underserved areas. It celebrates the leadership, innovation, and dedication of organizations and individuals working toward the betterment of society
Recently, the Indian Highways Management Company Limited (IHMCL), a company promoted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), signed an agreement with ICICI Bank to implement the country’s first comprehensive Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling system at the Choryasi Fee Plaza in Gujarat on NH-48.
The MLFF Tolling System is a barrier-less tolling system designed to allow vehicles to pass through toll plazas without having to stop. It enables seamless toll collection by using technologies such as FASTag, Vehicle Registration Number (VRN), High Performance RFID Readers, and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) Cameras.
Seamless Toll Collection: MLFF eliminates the need for vehicles to halt at toll plazas, reducing traffic congestion, fuel consumption, and travel time.
Reduced Emissions: By preventing vehicles from idling, MLFF helps in lowering emissions and making road travel more environmentally friendly.
Enhanced Toll Revenue: The system enables a more efficient toll collection process, ensuring accurate payments and potentially improving revenue for infrastructure maintenance.
Smarter Highways: The implementation of MLFF will pave the way for a smarter and more efficient national highway network, contributing to better traffic management.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is the government body responsible for the development, maintenance, and management of National Highways across India. It operates under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Constituted: NHAI was constituted under the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1998, and became operational in February 1995.
Composition: NHAI consists of a full-time Chairman, up to five full-time members, and four part-time members who are appointed by the Central Government. The part-time members include key officials such as the Secretary (RT&H), Secretary (Expenditure), Secretary (Planning), and Director General (RD) & SS.
Increased Efficiency: By eliminating manual toll collection and the need for vehicles to stop, MLFF reduces the time spent at toll plazas, improving the overall traffic flow.
Fuel Savings: Continuous movement of vehicles leads to better fuel efficiency, as there is no idling time at toll booths.
Reduced Pollution: With fewer vehicles idling at toll booths, the carbon footprint is reduced, contributing positively to environmental sustainability.
Modernization of Infrastructure: The introduction of MLFF aligns with the modernization goals of India’s road infrastructure, making it more digitally integrated and future-ready.
The implementation of the Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) Tolling System at the Choryasi Fee Plaza marks a significant step towards smart highway management in India. This move is set to streamline toll collection, enhance fuel efficiency, reduce congestion, and promote eco-friendly practices in road travel. As this technology becomes more widespread, it could set a new standard for the country’s highway infrastructure, boosting both operational efficiency and user experience.
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We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant.
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
Offline/Online Class
