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Chile’s President Makes Historic Visit to South Pole
President Gabriel Boric of Chile has become the first Latin American leader to visit the South Pole, marking a significant milestone for the region. The two-day expedition, named Operation Pole Star III, underscores Chile’s commitment to scientific research and environmental monitoring in Antarctica, according to the Chilean government.
The journey began in Santiago, with Boric accompanied by scientists, military commanders, and government officials. After stopping in Punta Arenas, a southern Chilean city, the delegation proceeded to the U.S.-operated Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Chilean broadcaster Televisión Nacional de Chile (TVN) reported.
Expanding Antarctic Research
Chile, one of seven countries with territorial claims in Antarctica, is a signatory to the Antarctic Treaty, which mandates the use of the continent for peaceful and scientific purposes only. While the country has traditionally focused its research in Antarctica’s northern regions, the Boric administration aims to extend activities to the continent’s western areas.
“This is a milestone for us. It is the first time a Chilean and Latin American president has visited the South Pole,” Boric said during the trip, as reported by TVN.
A Commitment to Science and Sovereignty
President Boric emphasized that the visit symbolizes Chile’s dedication to preserving Antarctica as a “continent of science and peace.” He also highlighted its importance in reinforcing Chile’s sovereignty claims in the region.
“From here, everything is north. There are only 12 flags flying, one of which is Chile’s. That is a source of pride,” Boric said, referring to the nations that signed the original Antarctic Treaty, including Argentina, Australia, and the United States.
Boric shared a video on social media platform X, formerly Twitter, from the South Pole, wearing a red jacket, black hat, and sunglasses. “Good morning from Chilean Antarctica, where everything begins,” he wrote.
Environmental Focus
The visit was part of Chile’s broader effort to enhance environmental monitoring of pollutants in Antarctica, a key component of Operation Pole Star III. Scientists accompanying the president aim to gather data to support ongoing research into the impacts of climate change and human activity on the fragile ecosystem.
Chile’s government hopes the trip will further bolster the country’s role in Antarctic research while fostering international collaboration under the principles of the Antarctic Treaty.
President Boric’s historic visit not only cements Chile’s place in Antarctic exploration but also reaffirms the continent’s unique status as a global hub for scientific inquiry and peaceful cooperation.
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Investigation Underway After Goa Nightclub Fire Kills at Least 25
Authorities in the Indian state of Goa have opened an investigation into a nightclub fire that killed at least 25 people, including several tourists, in one of the region’s most popular party districts. Six others were injured in the blaze, which broke out shortly after midnight in Arpora, a nightlife hub about 25 kilometres from the state capital, Panaji.
Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant confirmed the death toll in a statement posted on X, saying the victims included many of the club’s kitchen staff and a small number of visiting tourists. He added that all the injured were in stable condition and receiving medical treatment. Rescue teams recovered all bodies from the site.
Early reports from local police, cited by the Press Trust of India, indicated that a gas cylinder explosion triggered the fire. Witnesses, however, told the agency that the blaze appeared to start on the club’s first floor, where nearly 100 tourists were dancing at the time. As smoke and flames swept through the building, many people ran toward the lower floor, where they became trapped along with staff members.
Sawant said a formal inquiry would determine the exact cause and whether the club complied with fire safety regulations. He pledged strict action against anyone found responsible, writing on X that any negligence uncovered by investigators would be “dealt with firmly”.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic as patrons attempted to flee the burning building. “We rushed out of the club only to see that the entire structure was up in flames,” said Fatima Shaikh, who was inside when the fire began.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi offered condolences in a message on X, calling the incident “deeply saddening” and wishing the injured a swift recovery.
Local media reported that the club’s location along the Arpora River backwaters posed challenges for emergency crews. A narrow approach road forced fire engines to park about 400 metres from the entrance, slowing their response. Reports also revealed that the building had previously received a demolition notice after officials found it lacked a construction permit. That order was later withdrawn by senior state authorities, according to Arpora councillor Roshan Redkar.
Incidents involving gas cylinders and electrical faults are not unusual in India and often lead to heavy casualties, prompting renewed calls for stronger enforcement of safety standards. Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi criticised the tragedy as a “criminal failure of safety and governance” and urged a transparent investigation to establish accountability and prevent future disasters.
The probe into the fire is expected to assess structural safety, emergency exits and compliance with existing regulations as authorities work to piece together how the late-night gathering turned into one of the deadliest incidents in the state in recent years.
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