05 Aug 2026 - "Daily Current Affairs" Updates

SBSTTA-28

International Environment | Biodiversity governance

WHY IN NEWS:

The 28th meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice concluded on 1 August 2026 in Nairobi, Kenya.

IN ONE LINE:

SBSTTA is the scientific advisory body of the Convention on Biological Diversity, established under Article 25 to guide the Conference of the Parties.

What exactly is SBSTTA?

• SBSTTA-28 was the 28th session of the Subsidiary Body on Scientific, Technical and Technological Advice.

• It is an open-ended, multidisciplinary and intergovernmental scientific advisory body under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

• It brings together government experts, scientists and technical negotiators.

Institutional framework

• Parent convention: Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

• Statutory basis: Article 25 of the CBD.

• Organising partners: CBD Secretariat and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).

• Its advice is submitted to the Conference of the Parties (COP).

Why was it created?

• To assess biodiversity and review conservation measures using scientific evidence.

• To provide scientific, technical and technological advice to the COP.

• To support implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework and its 23 global targets to be achieved by 2030.

What does SBSTTA examine?

• Status and trends of flora, fauna, marine ecosystems and terrestrial ecosystems.

• Scientific assessments, including those of the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES).

• Effectiveness of national biodiversity policies and conservation actions taken by Parties to the CBD.

• Emerging technologies such as synthetic biology, gene editing, gene drives and laboratory-engineered microorganisms.

• Potential benefits as well as environmental risks of emerging technologies.

• Scientific guidance for protected areas, sustainable wildlife management, and marine and coastal conservation.

• Scientific and technical mandates assigned by the COP.

Key outcomes of SBSTTA-28

• Reviewed global progress under the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

• Identified gaps in biodiversity conservation, implementation and biodiversity finance.

• Advanced discussions on synthetic biology, including risk regulation, capacity building and equitable access to technology.

MEMORY LOCK: CBD | Article 25 | advises COP | Nairobi | KMGBF: 23 targets by 2030 | IPBES | synthetic biology

Vessel Communication and Support System

Government Schemes | Fishermen safety and satellite communication

WHY IN NEWS:

The Department of Fisheries approved the National Roll-out Plan for the Vessel Communication and Support System under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana.

IN ONE LINE: VCSS is an ISRO-supported, satellite-based two-way communication system designed to improve the safety, security and connectivity of marine fishermen.

What does the national roll-out cover?

• Indigenously developed transponders will be installed on one lakh marine fishing vessels.

• The coverage includes mechanised and motorised vessels across all 13 coastal States and Union Territories.

• Eligible fishermen will receive the transponders free of cost.

• The plan also provides for earth stations and supporting communication infrastructure.

• The Nabhmitra application will be developed in regional languages.

Funding pattern and nodal ministry

• For States, the project will follow a 60:40 cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and the States.

• Union Territories will receive 100% Central assistance.

• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.

How does VCSS help at sea?

• Provides two-way satellite communication.

• Issues alerts for adverse weather and cyclones.

• Warns vessels about No Fishing Zones.

• Uses geo-fencing to alert fishermen near the International Maritime Boundary Line.

• Connects with the Nabhmitra mobile application.

• The system is being implemented with technical support from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Nabhmitra application

• Nabhmitra is an ISRO-developed mobile application for real-time communication and support to the marine fishing community.

• It provides periodic vessel-position reporting and two-way messaging.

• It supports emergency and SOS alerts.

• It gives geo-fencing-based warnings when a vessel approaches or crosses the International Maritime Boundary Line.

• It provides weather, cyclone and emergency-weather advisories.

• It supplies Potential Fishing Zone information and navigational assistance.

• It includes an e-Token and Trip Declaration system.

MEMORY LOCK: PMMSY | 1 lakh vessels | 13 coastal States/UTs | free transponders | 60:40 | UTs: 100% Centre | ISRO | Nabhmitra

Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary

Environment | Western Himalayan biodiversity

WHY IN NEWS:

A Snow Leopard was photographed for the first time inside Dhauladhar Wildlife Sanctuary in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

IN ONE LINE: Established in 1994, this Western Himalayan sanctuary combines coniferous forests, alpine pastures and high-altitude fauna, including the Snow Leopard.

Location and identity

• Location: Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.

• Established: 1994.

• The sanctuary is named after the Dhauladhar Range.

• It also includes a significant part of the Bara Bhangal Range.

• It is known for rich biodiversity and varied mountain ecosystems.

Landscape and vegetation

• The terrain includes granite rock formations, snow-covered peaks and high-altitude forests.

• Vegetation is dominated by Western Mixed Coniferous Forests.

• Major plant communities include Deodar, Fir, Spruce, Blue Pine, Oaks and alpine pastures.

Important fauna

• Snow Leopard.

• Musk Deer.

• Himalayan Black Bear.

• Serow.

• Himalayan Weasel.

• Himalayan Palm Civet.

• Cheer Pheasant.

• Western Tragopan.

• Speckled Wood Pigeon.

Why is the first photograph important?

• The sanctuary protects biodiversity of the Western Himalayas.

• It provides habitat to several high-altitude and threatened species.

• The first photographic record confirms the ecological importance of the sanctuary and highlights the value of wildlife-monitoring efforts.

MEMORY LOCK: Kangra | 1994 | Dhauladhar and Bara Bhangal ranges | Western Mixed Coniferous Forests | first Snow Leopard photograph

Suspension Polyvinyl Chloride

Industry | Petrochemicals and import policy

WHY IN NEWS:

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade imposed a six-month restriction on the import of Suspension Polyvinyl Chloride resin.

IN ONE LINE: S-PVC is the most widely used PVC resin, produced by polymerising Vinyl Chloride Monomer in an aqueous medium and used extensively in pipes, cables and construction materials.

What is S-PVC?

• Suspension Polyvinyl Chloride is a polymer manufactured from Vinyl Chloride Monomer (VCM).

• VCM is polymerised in an aqueous medium using initiators and additives.

• These inputs help control molecular weight and particle morphology.

Four methods of producing PVC resins

• Suspension polymerisation.

• Emulsion polymerisation.

• Bulk polymerisation.

• Solution polymerisation.

Know the four resin forms

• Suspension PVC: granular, relatively dust-free, available with different levels of particle porosity, and the most widely used form.

• Emulsion PVC: a fine powder with very small particles and very little free monomer.

• Bulk PVC: broadly similar to suspension PVC, but with generally more porous particles.

• Solution PVC: smaller particles than suspension PVC, highly porous, and virtually free of monomer.

Major applications of S-PVC

• Irrigation pipes.

• Water-supply and drainage pipes.

• Electrical conduits.

• Electrical wires and cables.

• Construction materials and other plastic products.

Why does the import restriction matter?

• S-PVC is a critical raw material for construction, infrastructure, agriculture and electrical industries.

• Its availability directly affects the production of pipes, fittings and other essential infrastructure materials.

• The restriction is intended to support domestic manufacturing and strengthen self-reliance in the petrochemical industry.

MEMORY LOCK: DGFT | six-month restriction | VCM | aqueous polymerisation | most-used PVC resin | pipes, cables and construction