Shailendra's Sphere

The treaty was officially entered into force on June 23, 1961. The original signatories were the 12 countries (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the Soviet Union, the United Kingdom and the United States) active in Antarctica during the 1957–58. These countries have established more than 50 Antarctic research stations for the International Geophysical Year (IGY).   Purpose of the Treaty :  It is in the interest of all mankind that Antarctica shall continue forever to be used exclusively for peaceful purposes and the continuance of international harmony in Antarctica. It also aims that it will not be the scene or object of international discord. The treaty was a diplomatic expression of the operational and scientific cooperation that had been accomplished on the ice. Major Provisions of treaty are as follows:   Article 1 – The Antarctic region to be used for peaceful purposes only; military activity, such as weapons testing, is prohi