Current Affairs: Passage of the Day - 22 May 2024 | Current Affairs & General Knowledge - CLAT PDF Download

Directions: Read the passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.

India called for the highest commitment to protect Antarctica, not just as a matter of environmental conservation but also as a shared responsibility for the future generation.

Union minister for earth sciences (MoES) Kiren Rijiju, while inaugurating the 46th Antarctica Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) in Kochi, said, “This icy expanse is not just a frozen desert; it is a dynamic, living laboratory that demands our highest commitment to protection and study.”

The ATCM is considered as the Parliament for Antarctica, and the highest forum for governing the icy continent with the participation of 56 countries, 29 of whom enjoy consultative status, which comes with decision making powers.
Calling for regulated tourism in the icy continent in the wake of rising number of tourists in the past few years, MoES secretary M Ravichandran said it was the collective resolve of the ATCM to ensure that all activities, including research and tourism, were conducted in a manner that preserve its ecological integrity for future generations. Regulating tourism in Antarctica has been on the agenda since 1966 and a dedicated working group for the purpose has been formulated for the first time at the 46th ATCM hosted by India, he said.
A separate working group on developing a framework for regulating tourism in Antarctica has been set up at the ATCM that got underway as part of the ongoing 10-day consultations which began on Monday and will conclude on May 30. Former deputy national security adviser Pankaj Saran was elected as the chairman for the 10-day deliberations. The 26th meeting of the committee for environment protection is also being held during this period.
The event is being hosted by the MoES in collaboration with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, and the Antarctic Treaty Secretariat. Around 350 participants from 40 countries will be part of the meetings.
[Excerpt from The Times of India “46th Antarctic Treaty meet begins in Kochi” Dated 22/05/24]

Q1: Which treaty established Antarctica as a peaceful area for scientific research and environmental protection?
(a) Madrid Protocol
(b) Antarctic Treaty
(c) Kyoto Protocol
(d) Paris Agreement

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Q2: What is the main purpose of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP)?
(a) Providing legal advice
(b) Promoting tourism in Antarctica
(c) Advising on environmental protection in Antarctica
(d) Managing mineral mining activities

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Q3: Which Indian station was the first to be built in Antarctica?
(a) Bharati
(b) Maitri
(c) Dakshin Gangotri
(d) Amundsen-Scott

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Q4: What is the primary focus of ATCM 46 and CEP 26 meetings?
(a) Expanding military presence in Antarctica
(b) Protecting biodiversity
(c) Increasing mineral mining activities
(d) Promoting commercial fishing

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Q5: How are decisions made during ATCM meetings?
(a) By majority vote
(b) By the chairperson's decision
(c) By consensus among member countries
(d) By the host country's government

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