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Source- This post on Indian Ocean Structures Named After Indian Figures has been created based on the article “Three Indian Ocean structures named Ashoka, Chandragupt and Kalpataru” published in “Indian Express” on 14 August 2024.
Why in News?
India has successfully proposed names for three underwater geographical structures located in the Indian Ocean, which have now been officially recognized.
About Indian Ocean Structures which are Named After Indian Figures
1. Newly Named Structures (2024):
i) Ashoka Seamount is named after the Mauryan emperor Ashoka.
ii) Chandragupt Ridge is named after Mauryan ruler Chandragupt.
iii) Kalpataru Ridge has also been recently named.
These names were proposed by India and approved by the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) and UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).
2. Discovery Details:
i) Ashoka Seamount was discovered in 2012 by the Russian Sea vessel Akademik Nikolay Strakhov, covering an area of 180 sq km.
ii) Kalpataru Ridge was also found in 2012 by the same vessel. It spans 430 sq km.
iii) Chandragupt Ridge was discovered in 2020 by the Indian Ocean research vessel MGS Sagar, covering 675 sq km.
3. Previous Indian-Named Structures:
I) Raman Ridge (1992) was named after Physicist and Nobel Laureate Sir CV Raman, discovered in 1951 by a US oil vessel.
ii) Panikkar Seamount (1993) was named after oceanographer NK Panikkar, discovered in 1992 by the Indian research vessel Sagar Kanya.
iii) Sagar Kanya Seamount (1991) was named after the research vessel Sagar Kanya, which discovered the seamount during its 22nd cruise in 1986.
iv) Wadia Guyot (1993) was named after geologist DN Wadia, following its discovery in 1992 by the Sagar Kanya.
4. Indian Southern Ocean Research Programme: Since 2004, India has been conducting the Indian Southern Ocean Research Programme through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), Goa. This program focuses on studying various aspects of the Southern Ocean, including biodiversity, paleoclimate, and air-sea interactions.
5. Significance of Discoveries: These structures contribute to understanding marine life habitats and offer insights into the geological and biological processes of the Indian Ocean.
About Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission
| Aspects | Description |
| About | 1. The Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC) is a specialized agency within UNESCO. 2. It was established in 1960. |
| Governance | 1. The IOC is governed by its Assembly, which meets biennially and consists of representatives from its Member States. 2. The Assembly sets the strategic direction of the Commission, while the Executive Council meets annually and oversees program implementation. 3. The IOC Secretariat is based at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, manages daily operations. |
| Membership | The IOC’s membership includes over 150 Member States from across the globe. |
| Objectives and Functions | 1. Coordination of Marine Research: The IOC promotes collaborative research among Member States, focusing on various oceanographic fields to enhance understanding of the ocean’s role in climate systems and biodiversity. 2. Ocean Observation Systems: The IOC coordinates global ocean observation systems like GOOS, providing essential data for climate change studies, disaster risk reduction, and marine ecosystem management. 3. Capacity Building and Education: The IOC supports Member States, especially developing countries, by providing training, technical assistance, and access to scientific knowledge, enabling broad participation in oceanographic research. 4. Development of Marine Policy: The IOC offers scientific advice and expertise to support marine policy creation, including implementing international agreements like UNCLOS and Sustainable Development Goal 14. 5. Disaster Risk Reduction: The IOC enhances preparedness for ocean-related hazards by coordinating early warning systems and providing guidance on risk assessment and mitigation. |
UPSC Syllabus: International organisation
