SSC
Which continent is often described as a 'continent dedicated to science'?
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Answer: Option A — Antarctica
Detailed Solution
Antarctica is described as a "continent dedicated to peace and science" under the Antarctic Treaty system.
The Antarctic Treaty:
- It was signed on 1 December 1959 in Washington, D.C., by 12 countries that had been active in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (1957-58).
- It came into force on 23 June 1961.
It now has 58 parties. India joined in 1983 and became a "Consultative Party" (with voting rights) the same year.
Its main provisions:
- Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only; military activities are banned.
- Freedom of scientific investigation and cooperation is guaranteed.
- Territorial claims are "frozen": no new claims can be made while the treaty is in force.
- Nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste are prohibited.
- The "Protocol on Environmental Protection" (Madrid Protocol, 1991, in force 1998) designated Antarctica as a "natural reserve, devoted to peace and science", and banned mining.
About Antarctica:
- It is the fifth-largest continent, with an area of about 14 million square kilometres.
- It is the coldest, driest and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation.
- About 98 per cent of it is covered by ice, which holds about 70 per cent of the world's fresh water.
- The lowest natural temperature ever recorded on Earth, minus 89.2 degrees Celsius, was at Vostok Station in 1983.
- It has no permanent human population; only scientists and support staff live there temporarily.
India in Antarctica:
India's first expedition reached Antarctica in January 1982, led by Dr. S. Z. Qasim.
India's research stations: "Dakshin Gangotri" (1983, now a supply base), "Maitri" (1989) and "Bharati" (2012). A new station, "Maitri II", has been planned.
The "Indian Antarctic Act, 2022" regulates Indian activities in Antarctica.
The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa, manages India's Antarctic programme.
India hosted the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Kochi in May 2024.
Why not the other options?
- ✗Australia is both a continent and a country.
- ✗Africa is known as the "Dark Continent" (a colonial-era term).
- ✗Europe is not described in this way.
Quick tip
Remember: Antarctica = "continent for peace and science" (Antarctic Treaty 1959, in force 1961; Madrid Protocol 1991 banned mining); India joined 1983; stations Dakshin Gangotri (1983), Maitri (1989), Bharati (2012); Indian Antarctic Act = 2022.
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World GK: Countries, Capitals & Currencies — Preparation
This question tests your understanding of World GK: Countries, Capitals & Currencies, a key topic in the General Knowledge section. The detailed solution above uses a step-by-step approach to show the reasoning, and where available, a shortcut that helps you solve similar questions in under 90 seconds during the actual exam.
This topic covers world GK: countries with their capitals, currencies and parliaments, national symbols, famous landmarks, the longest, largest and highest features of the world, and international boundary lines such as the Radcliffe, McMahon and Durand Lines. The most common questions match a country with its capital or currency, or a parliament with its name (such as the Knesset of Israel or the Diet of Japan). Revise countries continent by continent, giving extra attention to India's neighbours. Questions on boundary lines usually ask which two countries a line separates. Practise the world GK questions below, written in the style of the general awareness sections of exams such as SSC, banking, railways, CUET GAT, MAH CET and CLAT. Each question comes with a detailed explanation that adds related facts, so every question helps you revise more than one point.