Lok Sabha clears Antarctic Bill, this session's first

• Lok Sabha passed the Indian Antarctic Bill, 2022 amid clamour from the Opposition to have more discussion.

Key Highlights of the Bill:

• Need: The law was necessary under India’s obligations as a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty of 1963.

• Aim: To regulate visits and activities to Antarctica as well set ground rules for potential disputes that may arise among those present on the continent.
• The Bill also lays out a structure for government officials to inspect a vessel, and to conduct checks of research facilities.
• It also directs creating a fund called the Antarctic fund that will be used for protecting the Antarctic environment.

Prelims Take Away

• Antarctica
• Major Research facility
• Antarctic Treaty of 1963