World’s largest iceberg stuck near Antarctic island after 40-year journey
London: Iceberg A23a, the world’s biggest iceberg, has become stuck 73 km from a remote Antarctic island after drifting towards South Georgia since 2020. Measuring approximately 3,300 sq km and weighing nearly 1tn tonnes, its grounding has raised concerns about its potential impact on local wildlife, including penguins and seals.
According to The Guardian, which cited a research organisation, there were initial fears that the iceberg could collide with the island or run aground in shallow waters, making it difficult for animals to feed their young. However, British Antarctic Survey (BAS) oceanographer Andrew Meijers stated that if the iceberg remains in its current position, it is unlikely to ‘significantly affect the local wildlife.’
A23a, which calved from the Antarctic ice shelf in 1986, had remained stuck for decades before breaking free in 2020. Since late 2023, researchers have been tracking its movement via satellite. While a 19 km-long chunk broke off in January, the iceberg has not shown significant signs of disintegration along its current path.
Meijers noted that icebergs following this route through the Southern Ocean typically break up, disperse, and melt. However, concerns remain about the impact on South Georgia’s wildlife, as animals may be forced to travel further to reach feeding grounds, potentially increasing mortality among penguin chicks and seal pups.
Meanwhile, researchers have warned that a rise in global temperatures to between 1.5 and 2 degrees Celsius above preindustrial levels could accelerate the melting of frozen water, leading to significant ocean level increases.
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Delhi demolition drive violence: Portion of mosque's property razed, claims Owaisi
Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar (PTI): AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi on Wednesday alleged that a portion of a Waqf-owned property of a mosque in Delhi was demolished and blamed the "black" Waqf (amendment) Act.
An anti-encroachment drive near the Faiz-e-Elahi mosque in Delhi's Ramlila Maidan area on the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday triggered violence as many people hurled stones at police personnel amid a social media post claiming that the mosque, opposite the Turkman Gate, was being demolished.
Five police personnel were injured in stone pelting, prompting the police to lob tear gas shells.
"At 1:30 AM, the property of a mosque near Turkaman Gate was razed. It is a Waqf property as per a gazette notification of 1970. The demolition drive is just the beginning after passing the Waqf Act in Parliament. People should understand the happenings in the country and give a strong message to the ruling parties through their votes," Owaisi said while addressing a rally for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar civic polls.
He alleged that the Delhi High Court had passed an incorrect order despite a Gazette notification issued in 1970 declaring the property as Waqf land.
"The High Court decided the title of the mosque when it had no right to do so. The Delhi Waqf Board also failed to take appropriate legal action by not filing a review petition," he said, adding that the matter would now be taken to the Supreme Court.
Owaisi further alleged that the Waqf Act, which he termed a "black law," was being used to seize Muslim religious properties.
"This law was made by PM Narendra Modi with the support of Eknath Shinde, Ajit Pawar, and Chandrababu Naidu. It is being used to snatch our mosques and graveyards. What happened in Delhi is only the beginning," he said.
He appealed to voters in Maharashtra to oppose Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar in the upcoming local body elections.
"People must vote against those responsible for this Act and stand with AIMIM if they want to protect their religious places," he said.
Speaking about constitutional values, Owaisi said the Preamble of the Constitution begins with “We, the people” and not “Bharat Mata.” Referring to the celebration of 150 years of Vande Mataram in Parliament, he said no one spoke about Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s emphasis on freedom of thought, faith, expression, and religion.
He also said that the preamble of our constitution starts with 'we the people' and not Bharat Mata.
Referring to the celebration of 150 years of Vande Mataram in Parliament, he said no one spoke about Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s emphasis on freedom of thought, faith, expression, and religion.
"Ambedkar wrote that this country belongs to everyone, but nobody stood up to say that," Owaisi said.
He also said that the Constitution permits Muslims to worship Allah.
"No Muslim MP said this in Parliament, but I did. I said we will say only ‘La ilaha illallah’. Others bowed their heads, but I did not compromise with the fundamentals of my religion or the Constitution," he added.
Maharashtra AIMIM president Imtiaz Jaleel, who also addressed the rally, said the party lost the previous Lok Sabha elections due to internal divisions.
"The same group is active again in the municipal elections. This time, we are fighting on two fronts — against our political opponents and against people from our own side," he said.
Referring to the recent attack on his car, Jaleel said, AIMIM would not be intimidated.
"Those involved in illegal businesses think they can scare us, but we completed the rally. The police must take action, and we are closely watching the case. We will not be afraid of those who have illegal businesses," he said.
Owaisi also commented on the incident, demanding strict action against those involved.
"I will visit that area in the next few days. I am not afraid. I always go where people challenge me,” he said.
