Mission Surya – Day 8: Grey Rhino Event, Barren Island & BBNJ Treaty
Important prelims topics including Grey Rhino events, India’s only active volcano Barren Island, Lakshadweep’s Andrott Island and the High Seas (BBNJ) Treaty.
22 February 2026
Day 8 focuses on important geography, environment and security developments including India's only active volcano, maritime islands and global ocean governance.
Core Concepts
Grey Rhino Event refers to a highly probable but neglected risk that can cause major damage.
Barren Island in the Andaman Sea is India’s only active volcano and part of the Andaman volcanic arc.
Andrott Island is the largest inhabited island of Lakshadweep.
India’s largest lithium-ion battery plant is being set up by Waaree Energies in Andhra Pradesh.
Operation Black Forest was a major anti-Maoist operation conducted in the Abujhmad region of Chhattisgarh.
BBNJ / High Seas Treaty
• BBNJ stands for Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.
• It is also known as the High Seas Treaty under UNCLOS.
• India has signed the treaty but has not yet ratified it.
Quick Revision for Prelims
- • Grey Rhino Event refers to a highly probable but neglected risk that can cause major damage.
- • Barren Island in the Andaman Sea is India’s only active volcano and part of the Andaman volcanic arc.
- • Andrott Island is the largest inhabited island of Lakshadweep.