46th Antarctic Treaty meeting concluded in Kochi

Current Context: The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26) were successfully hosted by India in Kochi, Kerala from May 20th to May 30th, 2024.

• The meetings were chaired by Ambassador Pankaj Saran, a distinguished former Deputy National Security Advisor, and had the overarching theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a Sanskrit phrase that means one Earth, one family, one future.
• The event witnessed the reaffirmation of the Antarctic Treaty (1959) and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (the Madrid Protocol, 1991) by the Parties.
• During the meeting, India announced its plan to set up an Antarctic research station named Maitri-II.
• The purpose of these meetings was to facilitate constructive global dialogue on environmental stewardship, scientific collaboration, and cooperation in Antarctica.
• The ATCM and CEP are crucial global forums for Antarctic affairs convened annually that set collective and concerted dialogue and action towards preserving one of Earth’s most pristine and fragile ecosystems.

Question:

1. Who chaired the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM-46) and the 26th Committee on Environmental Protection (CEP-26)?

• A) Narendra Modi
• B) Pankaj Saran
• C) S. Jaishankar
• D) Rajnath Singh

Answer: B) The meetings were chaired by Ambassador Pankaj Saran, a distinguished former Deputy National Security Advisor, and had the overarching theme of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, a Sanskrit phrase that means one Earth, one family, one future.