Daily Current Affairs

To The Point Notes

1.India to Sign Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement

Context

• India to sign the BBNJ Agreement – led by the Ministry of Earth Sciences.

About the Agreement

• Also known as the High Seas Treaty.
• Sets rules for sustainable use of marine biodiversity in international waters.
• Parties cannot claim ownership of marine resources in the high seas and ensure fair sharing of benefits.
• High Seas: International waters beyond national jurisdiction (Exclusive Economic Zone).

UNCLOS & BBNJ Agreement

• BBNJ Agreement is the third implementing agreement under UNCLOS (alongside Fish Stocks Agreement & Mineral Resources Agreement).
• Agreed in March 2023, open for signature for 2 years from Sep 2023.
• Becomes international law 120 days after 60th ratification (91 signed, 8 ratified as of June 2024).

UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea)

• Adopted in 1982, entered into force in 1994.
• Governs all uses of the world’s oceans and their resources.
• Established International Seabed Authority.
• Over 160 countries have ratified UNCLOS.

 

2.Khandagiri & Udayagiri Caves (Odisha)

Context

• Visited by President Droupadi Murmu.

About

• Rock-cut caves built around 2nd century BC by King Kharavela (Meghavahana dynasty).
• Discovered by British officer Andrew Sterling (19th century).
• Originally 117 caves, only 33 survive today (18 in Udayagiri, 15 in Khandagiri).
• Purpose: Shelters and meditation spaces for Jain monks.

Major Caves (Udayagiri)

• Hathigumpha (Elephant Cave): Inscriptions of King Kharavela.
• Rani Gumpha (Queen Cave): Double-storeyed with intricate carvings.
• Ganesha Gumpha: Jain Tirthankar and other sculptures.
• Vyaghra Gumpha (Tiger Cave): Entrance shaped like a tiger’s head and throat.

Major Caves (Khandagiri)

• Barabhuji Gumpha: Twelve-armed Sasana Devi and Tirthankar sculptures.
• Trishula Gumpha: Twenty-four Jain Tirthankaras carved on walls.
• Ambika Gumpha: Yaksha and Yakshini figures for each Tirthankara.

 

3.Zombie Startups

In the News

• Rising concern over “zombie startups”.

What are they?

• Companies failing to grow or become profitable.
• Stagnant progress and dwindling resources.
• Struggle to attract investment or generate revenue.
• May distort market dynamics by holding onto space and resources.

Impact

• Can slow down overall entrepreneurial ecosystem growth.

Looking Ahead

• Proactive measures and collaboration can turn them into learning experiences for future innovation.

 

4.Birlestik-2024 Military Exercise

Context

• First-ever joint military exercise by Central Asian nations without Russia and China.

About

• Joint military exercise (aka Union 2024) in Mangistau region, Kazakhstan.
• Focuses on regional cooperation, interoperability, and military readiness.
• Participating nations: Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan (Turkmenistan absent).
• Significance:
  • Builds stronger regional security partnerships.
  • Fosters mutual understanding and promotes peace.
  • Prepares armed forces for security challenges.

 

 

5.LGM-35A Sentinel: US Next-Gen ICBM

Context: Facing cost overruns triggering a Nunn-McCurdy breach.

About the Missile:

• Replaces LGM-30 Minuteman III (1970s).
• Developed by Northrop Grumman for USAF.
• W87-1 thermonuclear warhead, 5,500+ km range.
• Advanced launch, flight, and command systems.
• Secure warhead maintenance.

Background:

• Modernize US ICBM fleet for credible deterrence.
• Maintain strategic stability and strong defense posture.

Key Features:

• Modernization: Replaces aging Minuteman III missiles.
• Technological Advancements: Enhanced precision, reliability, survivability.
• Strategic Importance: Critical component of US nuclear triad (second-strike capability).