आर्कटिक परिषद और क्षेत्रीय विवाद: भारत की 'आर्कटिक नीति' का महत्व
आर्कटिक क्षेत्र में बर्फ पिघलने और नए व्यापारिक मार्गों के खुलने के बीच, भारत ने अपनी 'आर्कटिक नीति' के तहत वैज्ञानिक अनुसंधान बढ़ाने का निर्णय लिया है।
2-Minute Summary (TL;DR)
- India is expanding its Arctic research station 'Himadri' in Svalbard, Norway, to boost scientific studies.
- India has been an Observer in the Arctic Council since 2013, participating in regional governance.
- The Arctic's climate change directly impacts India's monsoon patterns, highlighting the region's significance.
- India's Arctic Policy, released in March 2022, focuses on six key pillars including scientific research and sustainable development.
- 'Himadri' research station, established in 2008, is India's primary base for Arctic scientific expeditions.
- The expansion aims to enhance research on climate change, cryosphere, biodiversity, and resource extraction.
- Geopolitical tensions, like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have impacted Arctic Council functioning, increasing India's role as a neutral scientific partner.
- The opening of Arctic sea routes presents potential economic and strategic opportunities for India.
- India advocates for international cooperation and sustainable practices in the Arctic region.
How This Topic is Tested in Competitive Exams
| Exam | Frequency | Approx. Marks | What Gets Asked |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPSC / State PCS | Very High | 10–20 | International relations is a core GS-II topic for UPSC. Bilateral agreements, multilateral bodies, and geopolitics are essential. |
Key Facts to Remember: आर्कटिक परिषद और क्षेत्रीय विवाद: भारत की 'आर्कटिक नीति' का महत्व
- India is expanding its Arctic research station 'Himadri' in Svalbard, Norway, to boost scientific studies.
- India has been an Observer in the Arctic Council since 2013, participating in regional governance.
- The Arctic's climate change directly impacts India's monsoon patterns, highlighting the region's significance.
- India's Arctic Policy, released in March 2022, focuses on six key pillars including scientific research and sustainable development.
- 'Himadri' research station, established in 2008, is India's primary base for Arctic scientific expeditions.
- The expansion aims to enhance research on climate change, cryosphere, biodiversity, and resource extraction.
- Geopolitical tensions, like the Russia-Ukraine conflict, have impacted Arctic Council functioning, increasing India's role as a neutral scientific partner.
- The opening of Arctic sea routes presents potential economic and strategic opportunities for India.
- India advocates for international cooperation and sustainable practices in the Arctic region.
Practice Questions
Q1. Which of the following is the name of India's research station located in the Arctic region?
- Maitri
- Bharati
- Himadri
- Sagar Nidhi
Explanation: Himadri is India's primary research station located in Svalbard, Norway, in the Arctic region. Maitri and Bharati are India's research stations in Antarctica.
Q2. Since which year has India been an Observer in the Arctic Council?
- 2008
- 2010
- 2013
- 2015
Explanation: India was granted Observer status in the Arctic Council in 2013, allowing it to participate in the Council's meetings and activities.
Q3. The expansion of India's Arctic research activities is primarily aimed at enhancing studies related to:
- Geological surveys and mineral exploration only
- Climate change, cryosphere, biodiversity, and monsoon impact
- Naval strategy and defense cooperation
- Cultural exchange programs with indigenous communities
Explanation: India's Arctic research expansion focuses on critical scientific areas like climate change, the cryosphere (ice bodies), biodiversity, and understanding the impact of Arctic changes on India's monsoon.
Q4. Which geopolitical event has recently caused disruptions in the functioning of the Arctic Council, leading to increased importance of neutral scientific partners like India?
- The Syrian Civil War
- The Brexit referendum
- The Russia-Ukraine conflict
- The South China Sea dispute
Explanation: The Russia-Ukraine conflict has led to significant geopolitical tensions, causing Western nations to boycott meetings involving Russia, thereby impacting the Arctic Council's operations and highlighting the role of neutral scientific collaborators.
Q5. India's Arctic Policy, released in March 2022, is structured around how many key pillars?
- Four
- Five
- Six
- Seven
Explanation: India's comprehensive Arctic Policy, released in March 2022, is built upon six fundamental pillars, encompassing scientific research, sustainable economic development, climate and environmental protection, security, international cooperation, and governance.
How to Prepare International Affairs for Government Exams — आर्कटिक परिषद और क्षेत्रीय विवाद: भारत की 'आर्कटि…
Focus on India-centric news — India's bilateral visits, MoUs signed, and positions in international bodies. This is what domestic exams test.
For UPSC, understand geopolitical context: Why does India take a particular position? What is India's strategic interest?
Keep a running note of all G20, SCO, BRICS, and QUAD-related outcomes. These bodies generate 3–5 questions per major exam cycle.
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