Current Affairs - National

India signed the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement at the UN General Assembly. The agreement, which took 20 years to negotiate, focuses on protecting marine biodiversity beyond national territorial waters, referred to as the high seas. It aims to regulate activities such as destructive fishing and pollution while ensuring the fair and equitable sharing of marine resources.

Amazon India has partnered with the Ministry of Labour and Employment by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to utilize the National Career Service (NCS) portal. This collaboration aims to connect job seekers with suitable career opportunities within Amazon and its staffing agencies. By leveraging the NCS portal, Amazon can effectively source candidates, improving access to various job roles across the country. This partnership highlights Amazon's commitment to enhancing recruitment processes and expanding employment opportunities for underserved communities, including women and persons with disabilities, while also supporting India's youth in finding meaningful jobs.

B Vanlalvawna, a 1998-batch officer of the Indian Foreign Service, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Cambodia. Prior to this appointment, he served as the Joint Secretary of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). His appointment comes at a time of growing diplomatic relations between India and Cambodia. Cambodia, with its capital Phnom Penh and its leaders Prime Minister Hun Manet and President Hun Sen, share historical and cultural ties with India.

Madhya Pradesh has achieved a significant milestone by conducting India's first entirely paperless election for the post of sarpanch in Ratua Ratanpur. This groundbreaking initiative, spearheaded by the state election commission, aims to eliminate paper usage in the electoral process, enhancing both efficiency and transparency. By embracing digital methods, the state is paving the way for modern electoral practices, making voting more accessible and straightforward for panchayats and urban bodies. This innovation reflects a commitment to leveraging technology in governance and improving the electoral experience for citizens.

Tata Steel has commissioned India’s largest blast furnace at its Kalinganagar facility in Odisha, representing a significant advancement in the steel industry. With an investment of Rs 27,000 crore, this expansion increases the plant’s capacity from 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 8 MTPA. The new facility incorporates advanced and eco-friendly technologies designed to enhance production efficiency while meeting the demands of various sectors such as automotive, infrastructure, and defence. Key features include energy recovery systems and a focus on environmental protection, solidifying Tata Steel's commitment to sustainable practices in manufacturing.