• UGI USER
  • May 10, 2024
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INDIA TO PROPOSE NEW ANTARCTIC RESEARCH STATION AT TREATY MEETING

Why in the news?

India announces plans to build a new Antarctic research station, regulate tourism, and propose a diplomat as chair of Antarctic Treaty Meeting.

source:researchgate

About Expansion of Research Facilities:

  • India to present plans for constructing a new research station in Antarctica at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Kochi.
  • Aim to revamp the existing Maitri station due to its age, with intentions to convert it into a summer camp after constructing Maitri-2.
  • Bharti, a modern facility, contrasts with the ageing Maitri, indicating India’s commitment to modernising its Antarctic research infrastructure.
What is the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM)?

  • ATCM: Annual meeting of Antarctic Treaty signatories and interested parties.
  • Treaty: Established in 1959 for peaceful, scientific, and environmental cooperation.
  • 56 countries currently party to the Treaty, including India since 1983.
  • 46th ATCM Agenda: Focus on sustainable management, policy, biodiversity, research, climate change, tourism framework, and awareness.
  • About National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR):
  • NCPOR: Autonomous institution established in 1998 under MoES.
  • Manages India’s scientific efforts in polar regions, Himalayas, and Southern Ocean.
  • Located :in Goa, oversees strategic endeavours in the Arctic and Antarctic.