Daily Current Affairs : 4-December-2023
Members of India’s historic first expedition to Antarctica were honored at an ‘Antarctica Day event,’ marking the anniversary of the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959 on December 1.
Key Details:
- Antarctica Day annually commemorates the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959.
- In 1981, India embarked on its inaugural scientific expedition to Antarctica.
- Dr S Z Qasim, a marine biologist, led the 21-member team, utilizing the Norwegian vessel Polar Circle for the journey.
The Secretive Operation Gangotri:
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, India initiated Antarctic exploration during the finalization of the United Nations Convention on the Laws of the Sea.
- The first expedition commenced in December 1981 from Goa, with a logistical stop in Mauritius.
- The team, aboard the chartered Norwegian ship MV Polar Circle, covered 21,366km in 77 days.
- Codenamed Operation Gangotri, the expedition’s clandestine nature was maintained due to uncertain outcomes.
India’s Antarctic Strategies Unveiled:
- The expedition coincided with India not being a signatory to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty, having only “consulting” status.
- No country possesses permanent status under the treaty.
- India, aligning with the treaty in 1983, initiated its third expedition and established Dakshin Gangotri, its first scientific base station, in Antarctica.
Outcomes of Operation Gangotri:
- India’s discreet foray into Antarctica resulted in the establishment of its first scientific base in 1983.
- Dakshin Gangotri laid the foundation for India’s subsequent Antarctic research endeavors.
- The nation, while initially a silent player, now actively contributes to global scientific exploration in Antarctica.
Important Points:
- Key Details:
- Antarctica Day marks the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959.
- India’s first scientific expedition in 1981 led by marine biologist Dr S Z Qasim on the Polar Circle.
- The Secretive Operation Gangotri:
- Launched under Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s leadership, coinciding with the UN Convention on the Laws of the Sea.
- Expedition started in 1981 from Goa, with a pit stop in Mauritius.
- Codenamed Operation Gangotri, kept secret due to uncertain outcomes.
- India’s Antarctic Strategies Unveiled:
- India not a signatory to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty initially, holding only “consulting” status.
- No country has permanent status under the treaty.
- India aligned with the treaty in 1983 during its third expedition.
- Established Dakshin Gangotri, the country’s first scientific base in Antarctica.
- Outcomes of Operation Gangotri:
- India’s discreet foray led to the establishment of Dakshin Gangotri in 1983.
- Dakshin Gangotri laid the foundation for India’s ongoing contributions to Antarctic research.
- India, once a silent player, now actively partakes in global scientific exploration in Antarctica.
Why In News
Members of India’s first expedition to Antarctica were felicitated recently at an ‘Antarctica Day event’, celebrating their remarkable achievements in advancing scientific exploration and fostering international collaboration in the pursuit of knowledge about the southernmost continent.
MCQs about Operation Gangotri: India’s Antarctic Odyssey Unveiled
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Operation Gangotri is associated with which of the following?
A. India’s Moon Mission
B. Antarctica Exploration
C. Underwater Archeology
D. Desert Safari Adventure
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Who was the leader of India’s first Antarctic expedition in 1981?
A. Indira Gandhi
B. Dr S Z Qasim
C. Sardar Patel
D. Atal Bihari Vajpayee
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What was the name of the chartered Norwegian vessel used in Operation Gangotri?
A. MV Gangotri
B. Polar Explorer
C. Polar Circle
D. Antarctic Voyager
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When did India align with the Antarctic Treaty, and what was the outcome?
A. 1981, Establishment of first base
B. 1959, Permanent status granted
C. 1983, Third expedition launched
D. 1975, Signing of the treaty
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