Maitri II ( UPSC Prelims)

News Context

The Union Finance Ministry has approved Maitri II, a new research station in Eastern Antarctica.
      ○ This will be India’s 4th research base, anticipated to be operational by January 2029.
      ○ It will be established as a green research base, utilizing renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, and will be equipped with automated instruments.
      ○ India’s other Polar research stations include Maitri (Antarctica), Bharati (Antarctica), Dakshin Gangotri (India's first scientific base station in Antarctica, now decommissioned), and Himadri (Arctic).
      ○ The legal framework governing this is the Indian Antarctic Act, 2022.