Context:
Iranian Navy commander’s claims of Antarctica’s ownership destabilises the the Antarctic Treaty of 1959
Antarctic Treaty 1959:
- Signed in 1959 by 12 countries then active in Antarctic science
- Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, the UK and the US.
- Entered into force in – 1961
- Aim – To make Antarctic Continent as demilitarized zone to be preserved for scientific research only.
- Treaty covers the area south of 60°S latitude.
- Total number of Parties – 56
- India became a party in 1983.
- Secretariat – Argentina.
- All historical claims before the treaty are all put on hold, they are neither recognised nor disregarded, and now no new claims can be made while the Treaty is in force.
- 7 countries that had territorial claims before the treaty – Australia, New Zealand, Argentina, Chile, France, Norway and UK
- Dispute Resolution Mechanism – Antarctic Treaty System
Antarctic Treaty System:
- Whole complex of arrangements made for the purpose of regulating relations among states in the Antarctic.
- Purpose – To ensure “in the interests of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and shall not become the scene or object of international discord”.
- The Treaty applies to the area south of 60° South Latitude, including all ice shelves and islands.
- These agreements are legally binding
Indian Antarctic programme:
- A scientific research and exploration program
- Under the National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
- Started in – 1981
- When the first Indian expedition to Antarctica was made.
National Centre for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCPOR):
- A nodal agency
- Aim – For planning, promotion, coordination and execution of the entire gamut of polar and southern ocean scientific research in the country as well as for the associated logistics activities.
- Established in – 1998.
Source: Hindustan Times
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following statements best describes the ‘Polar Code’?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) It is the international code of safety for ships operating in polar waters.
(b) It is the agreement of the countries around the North Pole regarding the demarcation of their territories in the polar region.
(c) It is a set of norms to be followed by the countries whose scientists undertake research studies in the North Pole and South Pole.
(d) It is a trade and security agreement of the member countries of the Arctic Council.
Answer: (a)
