CONTENTS

1. World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
2. Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting

World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

Context:

The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), celebrated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on 17th May 2024, with the theme “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development”.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

About World Telecommunication and Information Society Day

Historical Significance

• The day commemorates the anniversary of the founding of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) on 17th May 1865, marked by the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in Paris.

Key Announcements by DoT

Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) Initiatives

• NIDHI & STAR Program: These initiatives focus on developing indigenous telecom solutions and technologies.
• STAR Program: Provides scholarships and mentorship from C-DOT research leaders to PhD students.

Telecom Industry in India

• Global Standing: India has the 2nd largest telecom industry in the world.
• Subscriber Base: As of August 2023, India has a subscriber base of 1.179 billion (including both wireless and wireline subscribers).
• Economic Impact: The telecom sector is crucial to the digital economy, projected to reach around USD 1.5 billion by 2025-26, contributing approximately 15% to the GDP.

Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting

Context:

India is set to play a pivotal role in facilitating the first-ever focused discussions on regulating tourism in Antarctica at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP). 

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GS II: International Relations

Understanding the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM):

• Purpose: The ATCM is an annual gathering of the original 12 parties to the Antarctic Treaty, along with other parties interested in Antarctic research.
• Antarctic Treaty: Signed in 1959, the treaty designates Antarctica as a region devoted to peaceful activities, scientific collaboration, and environmental preservation.
• Membership: Currently, 56 countries are party to the Antarctic Treaty, including India, which became a Consultative Party in 1983 and reaffirmed its commitment through the Antarctic Act in 2022.
• Meeting Frequency: Initially held biennially from 1961 to 1994, the meetings have been annual since 1994.
• 46th ATCM Agenda: The agenda includes discussions on sustainable management of Antarctica, policy, legal matters, biodiversity, inspections, data exchange, research, climate change, tourism, and awareness.
• India’s Role: As a Consultative Party, India participates in decision-making alongside other Consultative Parties and has been conducting annual scientific expeditions to Antarctica since 1981.

Understanding the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP):

• Establishment: Formed in 1991 under the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty (Madrid Protocol).
• Function: The CEP advises the ATCM on matters related to environmental protection and conservation in Antarctica.
• Importance: Both the ATCM and CEP play crucial roles in safeguarding Antarctica’s delicate ecosystem and promoting scientific research in the region.
• Annual Meetings: Convened under the Antarctic Treaty System, these meetings serve as platforms for addressing environmental, scientific, and governance issues in Antarctica.
• 26th CEP Agenda: Focuses on evaluating the Antarctic environment, climate change responses, area protection, marine spatial protection, and biodiversity conservation.