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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All efforts underway to bring back Indians stranded in conflict zone: Union Minister Pralhad Joshi
Chikkamagaluru (Karnataka) (PTI): Union Minister Pralhad Joshi on Sunday said the Centre was making continuous efforts to ensure the safe return of Indians stranded amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, describing the situation as "volatile".
Speaking to reporters at Rambhapuri Mutt in Chikkamagaluru, Joshi said he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities in New Delhi.
“The situation there (Middle East) is very difficult. It has come to my attention that Kannada people are stranded,” Joshi said.
Noting that the government was closely monitoring developments, he added, “I will go to Delhi today and talk to the concerned ministers. All efforts will be made to bring back the Indians there safely.”
Referring to past evacuation operations, the Minister said, “We have successfully brought everyone back during the war in the Modi government.”
He cautioned that conditions in the region remained unstable.
“Currently, the situation there is turbulent. Even flying a plane there is dangerous,” Joshi said.
“Our efforts are continuous to bring back the people there safely,” the Union Minister said, adding, “JD(S) MLC Bhoje Gowda, who is stranded in Dubai with his family, and all the passengers with him should be brought back safely.”
