1 June 2024 : PIB Summary for UPSC
1. India successfully concludes hosting of the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26)
| Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests. |
| Context |
| ● India hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26) in Kochi, Kerala.
● The discussions involved crucial Antarctic issues, including environmental protection, tourism regulation, and scientific cooperation. ● The event highlighted India’s commitment to safeguarding Antarctica and promoting global environmental sustainability. |
Analysis of the news:
- India hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26) in Kochi, Kerala, from May 20-30, 2024.
- The theme was “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,” meaning “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”
- India announced plans to establish a new research station at the Antarctic, Maitri-II.
- The meetings reaffirmed the Antarctic Treaty (1959) and the Madrid Protocol (1991).
| Antarctic Treaty (1959) and the Madrid Protocol (1991): |
| Antarctic Treaty (1959)
● Establishment: Signed on December 1, 1959, and entered into force on June 23, 1961. ● Purpose: To ensure that Antarctica is used for peaceful purposes and scientific research. ● Military Activity: Prohibits military activity, such as the establishment of military bases and weapons testing. ● Nuclear Testing: Bans nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste. ● Scientific Cooperation: Promotes international scientific cooperation, including the exchange of research and data. ● Territorial Claims: Puts all territorial claims on hold, preventing new claims while the treaty is in force. ● Inspections: Allows for inspections by other parties to ensure compliance. Madrid Protocol (1991) ● Adoption: Adopted on October 4, 1991, and entered into force on January 14, 1998. ● Environmental Protection: Provides comprehensive protection of the Antarctic environment. ● Prohibited Activities: Bans all activities related to mineral resources, except for scientific research. ● Environmental Principles: Establishes principles for human activity, including waste management and environmental impact assessments. ● Protected Areas: Designates specially protected and managed areas to preserve ecological and scientific values. ● Liability: Sets rules for liability for environmental damage. |
- Seventeen revised and new management plans for Antarctic Specially Protected Areas (ASPAs) were adopted.
- Discussions included sea ice change, environmental impact assessments, emperor penguin protection, and biosecurity measures.
- The release of a commemorative MyStamp and a mural themed “Species-rich Antarctica” were highlights.
- A framework for regulating tourism and non-governmental activities in Antarctica was discussed.
- The event hosted over 400 delegates from 56 countries, focusing on science, policy, governance, environmental stewardship, and more.
- The meetings included panel discussions and side events, emphasizing shared responsibilities and Antarctic governance.
- The importance of renewable energy use and robust biosecurity measures to minimize Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza risks was stressed.
| Practice Question: Discuss the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem and its global implications. Evaluate the measures being taken to mitigate these effects. (150 Words /10 marks) |
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2022278 )
