A UN-backed treaty on biodiversity in international waters, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Treaty, has entered into force, creating the first legally binding global framework to conserve and sustainably use the high seas.
What are the High Seas?
High seas refer to ocean areas beyond national jurisdiction, i.e., beyond 200 nautical miles (Exclusive Economic Zones – EEZs).
They cover nearly two-thirds of the global ocean and about half of the Earth’s surface.
Earlier governed mainly by general principles under UNCLOS, with limited biodiversity-specific regulation.
At the 18th India–Japan Strategic Dialogue, India and Japan reaffirmed the upward trajectory of their Special Strategic and Global Partnership, with a strong focus on economic security, resilient supply chains, critical technologies, and defence cooperation.
Key Highlights
Announced the launch of Japan–India Private-Sector Dialogue on Economic Security (B2B) in early 2026.
It will help in identification of five priority areas: semiconductors, critical minerals, ICT, clean energy, and pharmaceuticals.
अंतरराष्ट्रीय जलक्षेत्र में जैव विविधता पर संयुक्त राष्ट्र समर्थित संधि, जिसे औपचारिक रूप से बायोडायवर्सिटी बियॉन्ड नेशनल जुरिस्डिक्शन (BBNJ) संधि कहा जाता है, प्रभावी हो गई है।
उच्च समुद्री क्षेत्र क्या हैं?
उच्च समुद्री क्षेत्र वे महासागरीय क्षेत्र हैं जो राष्ट्रीय अधिकार क्षेत्र से बाहर होते हैं, अर्थात् 200 समुद्री मील (विशेष आर्थिक क्षेत्र – EEZs) से परे।
ये वैश्विक महासागर का लगभग दो-तिहाई और पृथ्वी की सतह का लगभग आधा हिस्सा कवर करते हैं।
The NITI Aayog has released a report titled ‘Achieving Efficiencies in MSME Sector through Convergence of Schemes’, presenting a detailed framework to strengthen the effectiveness of government interventions in the MSME sector.
Need for Convergence of Schemes
Avoid duplication and inefficiency: The Ministry of MSME currently oversees 18 schemes with overlapping objectives, leading to fragmented implementation and reduced outreach.
Enhance efficiency and outcomes: Convergence simplifies access for beneficiaries, reduces administrative complexity, and ensures resources translate into measurable results.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and the NGO SaveLIFE Foundation released the joint report on India’s top 100 districts in terms of severity of road accident fatalities.
Major Findings
Uttar Pradesh accounted for most of the top 20 districts in fatalities.
Tamil Nadu has 19 “severe” districts in terms of fatalities, followed by 11 districts in Maharashtra, nine districts in Karnataka and eight in Rajasthan.
Most accidents are concentrated in known locations, such as specific road stretches, crash-prone spots, and police station areas.
