Q. What are ‘Maitri and Bharati’, which were seen in the news?
Answer:
Research base stations in Antarctica
Notes: The Union Cabinet has approved a draft legislation to provide a regulatory framework for India's research activities in Antarctica and protect the environment in the continent.
The Indian Antarctica Bill was piloted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences. The Indian Antarctic programme, which began in 1981, has completed 40 scientific expeditions and built three permanent research base stations in Antarctica. Maitri and Bharati are fully operational at present.