{"id":3676,"date":"2025-12-22T08:34:04","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T08:34:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/?p=3676"},"modified":"2025-12-23T07:02:31","modified_gmt":"2025-12-23T07:02:31","slug":"current-affairs-22nd-december-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/2025\/12\/22\/current-affairs-22nd-december-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Current Affairs 22nd December 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>1.LVM3 M6 Mission<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS Paper III-Science and technology<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>ISRO\u2019s upcoming LVM3 M6 launch on 24 December will place the BlueBird Block\u20112 satellite in orbit.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The launch is under a commercial agreement with U.S.\u2013based company AST SpaceMobile.<\/li>\n<li>The satellite will provide high\u2011speed cellular broadband directly to smartphones globally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Region of space close to Earth, typically from about\u00a0\u00a0km to\u00a0\u00a0km altitude.<\/li>\n<li>Satellites in LEO have short orbital periods (around 90\u2013120 minutes per revolution).<\/li>\n<li>LEO allows lower latency and stronger signals, useful for communication and Earth\u2011observation satellites.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is BlueBird Block\u20112 satellite?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A large, next\u2011generation commercial communication satellite of AST SpaceMobile.<\/li>\n<li>Designed to deliver space\u2011based 4G\/5G broadband directly to standard mobile phones.<\/li>\n<li>Will operate in low Earth orbit as part of a larger constellation for global coverage.<\/li>\n<li>Described as the largest commercial communication satellite to be deployed in LEO.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>About AST SpaceMobile<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A U.S.\u2013based company building a space\u2011based cellular broadband network.<\/li>\n<li>Aims to provide direct\u2011to\u2011device connectivity for both commercial and government users.<\/li>\n<li>Its goal is to bridge connectivity gaps for billions of mobile users worldwide.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Existing AST SpaceMobile network<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Has launched five satellites, BlueBird 1\u20135, as of September 2024.<\/li>\n<li>These satellites enable continuous Internet coverage across the U.S. and some other countries.<\/li>\n<li>Operates through partnerships with over 50 mobile network operators globally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Future plans of AST SpaceMobile<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Plans to launch more BlueBird\u2011series satellites to expand global coverage.<\/li>\n<li>Intends to build a full constellation for near\u2011continuous direct\u2011to\u2011phone broadband.<\/li>\n<li>Will continue collaborating with mobile operators for commercial rollout in more regions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why is BlueBird Block\u20112 important?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Key step in scaling AST\u2019s constellation from test phase to higher\u2011capacity operations.<\/li>\n<li>Supports \u201cdirect\u2011to\u2011smartphone\u201d broadband without needing special satellite phones.<\/li>\n<li>Enhances India\u2019s commercial launch profile through ISRO\u2019s LVM3 heavy\u2011lift vehicle.<\/li>\n<li>Contributes to bridging rural and remote connectivity gaps worldwide.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthens India\u2019s role in the emerging global satellite\u2011based mobile broadband market.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">2. Will new act aid indias nuclear development ?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS paper III-Science and technology<\/p>\n<p>Context :Parliament has enacted the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy for Transforming India (SHANTI) Act, reshaping the legal framework for India\u2019s civilian nuclear programme.\u200b<\/p>\n<p><strong>The story so far<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>SHANTI Act replaces the Atomic Energy Act, 1962 and the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage (CLND) Act, 2010.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>It aims to accelerate nuclear power expansion and attract greater private and foreign participation.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why is SHANTI significant?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It allows private companies to build and operate nuclear plants, with scope for foreign investment.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>India targets raising nuclear capacity from 8.8 GW to 100 GW by 2047, with major additions from state and private players.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What are the major differences in SHANTI?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Earlier operator\u2011only liability is replaced by provisions that can involve suppliers for compensation in defined cases.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>The Act streamlines nuclear material control and relaxes some older technology\u2011transfer constraints under global agreements.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Does SHANTI load the dice against operators?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>SHANTI introduces graded liability caps depending on plant size and capacity.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Compensation must match damage level, but operators can avoid liability if supplier fault is legally established.\u200b<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Will SHANTI spur India\u2019s nuclear vision?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>The Act is meant to de\u2011risk private investors and align with India\u2019s goal of low\u2011carbon baseload power.\u200b<\/li>\n<li>Challenges remain over safety perceptions, high project costs and timely development of Small Modular Reactors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">3. VB-G RAM G Bill<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS II-polity<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>President Droupadi Murmu granted assent to VB-G RAM G Bill on Dec 21, 2025, replacing MGNREGA.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Parliament passed the bill amid strong Congress-led protests.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Origins of MGNREGA<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enacted in 2005 as NREGA by UPA government.<\/li>\n<li>Renamed MGNREGA in 2009 to honor Mahatma Gandhi.<\/li>\n<li>Inspired by right-to-work under Article 21; evolved from earlier rural schemes like JRY.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Bill Passage and Parliamentary Corruption<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Passed in Lok Sabha (Dec 16) and Rajya Sabha (Dec 18) amid opposition walkouts.<\/li>\n<li>Congress alleged bulldozing without debate; called it dismantling of rights-based law.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why MGNREGA is Unique<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Legal guarantee of 100 days unskilled work per rural household.<\/li>\n<li>Demand-driven: Work on application within 15 days; unemployment allowance if delayed.<\/li>\n<li>Decentralized: Gram Sabha plans works; social audits ensure transparency.<\/li>\n<li>Focus on asset creation (e.g., water conservation) and women empowerment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Government Rationale for Replacement<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Aligns with Viksit Bharat @2047 vision for modern rural development.<\/li>\n<li>MGNREGA outdated; rural economy transformed with higher incomes.<\/li>\n<li>Addresses issues like poor asset quality, corruption, and labor shortages in agriculture.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>How VB-G RAM G Bill Differs from MGNREGA<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Increases guarantee to 125 days (from 100).<\/li>\n<li>60:40 Centre-State fund sharing (MGNREGA: Centre bore full wages).<\/li>\n<li>Supply-driven with budget caps; focuses on 4 areas: water security, rural infrastructure, livelihoods, weather mitigation.<\/li>\n<li>Works from Viksit Gram Panchayat Plans; integrates with PM Gati Shakti.<\/li>\n<li>Allows 60-day pause during peak agricultural seasons.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">4. ICGS Amulya.<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>GS paper III-science and technology <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :<\/strong>Recently commissioned into Indian Coast Guard service at Goa as ICGS Amulya.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Enhances coastal security, anti\u2011smuggling and search\u2011and\u2011rescue capacity on the eastern seaboard.<img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-3677 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-22-140145-300x149.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"322\" height=\"160\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-22-140145-300x149.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-22-140145.png 491w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 322px) 100vw, 322px\" \/><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>What is ICGS Amulya?<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Third ship of the Adamya\u2011class Fast Patrol Vessels for the Indian Coast Guard.<\/li>\n<li>Designed for rapid\u2011response and extended maritime patrols in India\u2019s EEZ and coastal waters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Designer, builder and indigenisation<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Designed and built by Goa Shipyard Limited, a defence public sector shipyard.<\/li>\n<li>Uses more than 60% indigenous components, aligning with Make\u2011in\u2011India and Atmanirbhar Bharat.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Key technical features<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>51\u2011metre-long fast patrol vessel optimised for coastal and offshore missions.<\/li>\n<li>Powered by two advanced 3000\u202fkW diesel engines driving high\u2011performance propulsion.<\/li>\n<li>Maximum speed of around 27 knots for quick interception of hostile or suspicious vessels.<\/li>\n<li>Endurance of about 1,500 nautical miles, allowing multi\u2011day patrols without refuelling.<\/li>\n<li>Fitted with indigenous state\u2011of\u2011the\u2011art weapons, sensors and communication systems.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Operational roles<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Maritime surveillance and patrol to enforce law and order at sea.<\/li>\n<li>Interdiction of suspicious craft involved in smuggling, piracy or illegal fishing.<\/li>\n<li>Search and Rescue operations for distressed fishermen and merchant shipping.<\/li>\n<li>Pollution response and support in containing oil spills or marine environmental incidents.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Deployment<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>To be based at Paradip, Odisha, under Coast Guard Region (North East).<\/li>\n<li>Will strengthen security along India\u2019s eastern coast and approaches to the Bay of Bengal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">5. Where does India stand on child marriage?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS Paper III: Inclusive Growth, Social Sector Initiatives<\/p>\n<p><strong>Context :Bal Vivah Mukta Bharat Abhiyan Launch<\/strong> _Union government launched 100-day awareness campaign in December 2025.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"list-style-type: none;\">\n<ul>\n<li>Part of India\u2019s commitment to end child marriage by 2030 (UN SDG Target 5.3).<\/li>\n<li>First anniversary of campaign celebrated recently.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0India\u2019s Progress on Child Marriage<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Significant Decline<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>From 47.4% (2005-06) to 26.8% (2015-16) and 23.3% (2019-21) among women aged 20-24.<\/li>\n<li>Halved since Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Regional &amp; Socio-Economic Disparities<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Highest: West Bengal (40%), Tripura (42%), Bihar.<\/li>\n<li>Lowest: Lakshadweep (4%), J&amp;K, Ladakh, HP, Goa (6-7%).<\/li>\n<li>48% girls with no education vs 4% with higher education married before 18.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Key Schemes &amp; Interventions<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Bal Vivah Mukta Bharat Abhiyan<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>54,917 child marriage prevention officers appointed.<\/li>\n<li>1,520 instances prevented through persuasion\/administrative action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Beti Bachao Beti Padhao<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Focuses on girl child education, empowerment, and sex ratio improvement.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Other Measures<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Ladli schemes provide financial support for girl child.<\/li>\n<li>Initiatives for school enrolment, safe transport, sanitation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Challenges &amp; Legal Aspects<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Slow Progress<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Only 3.5% decline in last five years.<\/li>\n<li>Needs 20x faster pace to meet 2030 SDG target.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li><strong>Proposed Legal Change<\/strong>\n<ul>\n<li>Government bill to raise women\u2019s marriage age to 21.<\/li>\n<li>Opposed; 61% women aged 20-24 already married before 21.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Conclusion<\/strong> Child marriage remains in news due to renewed government campaign, slow progress towards SDG 2030 target, and ongoing debate on raising legal marriage age.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">6. India -Africa Economic ties<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>GS paper II-IR<\/p>\n<p><strong>CONTEXT :<\/strong>PM Modi&#8217;s visits to Namibia, Ghana (July 2025) and Ethiopia\u00a0 highlight India-Africa ties.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why India-Africa Relations Focused<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Rising Western market uncertainties push India to diversify.<\/li>\n<li>Africa offers growing markets, critical minerals, and strategic partnerships.<\/li>\n<li>PM Modi&#8217;s 2025 Africa visits boost Global South outreach.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Why Africa Matters More to India Today<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Provides critical minerals for green transition and manufacturing.<\/li>\n<li>Large young population and markets for Indian goods\/services.<\/li>\n<li>Counterbalance to China\u2019s dominance in Africa.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Current Status of India-Africa Trade<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Bilateral trade crossed $100 billion in FY 2024-25.<\/li>\n<li>India\u2019s exports: ~$38-42 billion (petroleum, pharma, rice, engineering goods).<\/li>\n<li>Key partners: Nigeria, South Africa, Tanzania.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Comparison with China-India (India vs China in Africa Trade)<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td><strong>Indicator<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>India<\/strong><\/td>\n<td><strong>China<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Bilateral trade (2024)<\/td>\n<td>~$100 billion<\/td>\n<td>~$295-296 billion<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>India&#8217;s rank in Africa<\/td>\n<td>3rd-4th largest partner<\/td>\n<td>Largest partner<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Africa&#8217;s imports share<\/td>\n<td>~6% from India<\/td>\n<td>~21% from China<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Key exports to Africa<\/td>\n<td>Pharma, rice, textiles<\/td>\n<td>Machinery, electronics<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Investments (cumulative)<\/td>\n<td>&gt;$75 billion<\/td>\n<td>Much higher (infrastructure focus)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p><strong>India Targets &amp; Need for Strategy<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Target: Double trade with Africa by 2030 (to ~$164-200 billion).<\/li>\n<li>Need: Counter US\/EU market risks; secure minerals; leverage AfCFTA.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Five Strategic Pillars for India-Africa Economic Engagements<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Negotiate preferential trade agreements with AfCFTA and regional blocs.<\/li>\n<li>Shift to joint ventures and manufacturing units in Africa.<\/li>\n<li>Scale up trade finance and Lines of Credit for MSMEs.<\/li>\n<li>Invest in ports, logistics, and maritime corridors.<\/li>\n<li>Boost services, digital trade, IT, health, and skill development.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Role of Indian Public Sector &amp; Investment<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lead in mining, minerals, infrastructure, and renewable energy.<\/li>\n<li>Strengthen investments to overcome hurdles like bureaucracy.<\/li>\n<li>Public sector units drive long-term sustainable partnerships.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Broader Strategic Significance<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Secures resources for India&#8217;s growth and energy needs.<\/li>\n<li>Enhances India&#8217;s influence in multipolar world.<\/li>\n<li>Builds sustainable ties beyond transactional trade.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"><strong>7. UN Peacekeeping<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><strong>General Studies Paper\u2011II\u00a0-IR <\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>\u00a0Context<\/strong> :recent drone attack on a UN logistics base in Kadugli, South Kordofan (Sudan) killed six Bangladeshi peacekeepers of UNISFA and injured several others, prompting a strong condemnation by the UN Security Council for targeting UN personnel and violating international humanitarian law. <img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-3678 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-22-140225-300x202.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"322\" height=\"217\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-22-140225-300x202.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-22-140225.png 330w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 322px) 100vw, 322px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><strong>UN Peacekeeping: basic idea<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>UN peacekeeping helps conflict\u2011affected states move from war to peace by stabilising situations and backing political processes.<\/li>\n<li>Missions combine military, police and civilian components under UN command and Security Council mandates.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Evolution of UN peacekeeping<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>1948 beginnings: Started with unarmed observer missions such as UNTSO to monitor ceasefires and report violations.<\/li>\n<li>Cold War phase: Geopolitical rivalry kept mandates narrow, focusing on consent\u2011based monitoring with limited enforcement.<\/li>\n<li>Post\u20111990s expansion: Civil wars led to multidimensional missions including protection, mediation and institution\u2011building.<\/li>\n<li>Brahimi reforms (2000): Recommended clear mandates, better resources, quick deployment and priority to civilian protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Core tasks of UN peacekeepers<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Monitor ceasefires and buffer zones to prevent resumption of fighting.<\/li>\n<li>Protect civilians under imminent threat, including limited use of force when authorised.<\/li>\n<li>Support DDR programmes to disarm ex\u2011combatants and help their return to civilian life.<\/li>\n<li>Assist in elections, governance support and strengthening state institutions.<\/li>\n<li>Promote human rights and rule of law through monitoring and justice\u2011sector support.<\/li>\n<li>Facilitate humanitarian aid and early recovery in post\u2011conflict environments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>India\u2019s role in UN peacekeeping<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Major contributor: India is among the largest suppliers of uniformed personnel to UN operations.<\/li>\n<li>Scale of service: Over 2.9 lakh Indian peacekeepers have participated in more than fifty missions worldwide.<\/li>\n<li>Current presence: Roughly 5,000 Indian troops and police are deployed in about nine ongoing missions.<\/li>\n<li>Sacrifice: Nearly 180 Indian peacekeepers have laid down their lives serving under the UN flag, reflecting India\u2019s long\u2011standing commitment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><strong><span style=\"text-decoration: underline;\">8. Arctic region<\/span> <\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><strong>GS PAPER I-Geography -mapping<img decoding=\"async\" class=\" wp-image-3679 alignright\" src=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-22-140305-300x206.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"386\" height=\"265\" srcset=\"https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-22-140305-300x206.png 300w, https:\/\/arkreflectionsias.com\/studentportal\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/Screenshot-2025-12-22-140305.png 478w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 386px) 100vw, 386px\" \/><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Context : recent NOAA assessment found that it has just recorded its warmest and wettest year ever, with temperatures rising at more than twice the global average and sea\u2011ice shrinking sharply.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Arctic: basic overview<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Earth\u2019s northern polar zone marked by severe cold, sea ice, permafrost and specialised ecosystems.<\/li>\n<li>Crucial for\u00a0<strong>global<\/strong>\u00a0climate regulation because its bright ice strongly reflects incoming solar radiation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Location and extent<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Lies mainly north of the Arctic Circle, around latitude 66.5\u00b0\u202fN.<\/li>\n<li>Geographically centred on the Arctic Ocean and its surrounding landmasses.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Countries with Arctic territory<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Region includes portions of Russia, Canada and the United States (Alaska).<\/li>\n<li>Also covers areas of Denmark (Greenland), Norway, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Major rivers flowing into Arctic Ocean<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>From Russia: Ob, Yenisei and Lena carry large freshwater and sediment loads.<\/li>\n<li>From North America: Mackenzie in Canada and the Yukon flowing through USA\u2013Canada.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Key physical and geological traits<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Arctic Ocean is the smallest, shallowest and one of the coldest of the world\u2019s oceans.<\/li>\n<li>Wide continental shelves contain significant hydrocarbon, mineral and fishing resources.<\/li>\n<li>Lomonosov Ridge is a submarine mountain chain at the centre of overlapping seabed claims.<\/li>\n<li>Permafrost under land and seabed locks in huge stores of carbon and methane.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Notable characteristics<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Roughly one\u2011fifth of global freshwater is stored here in ice sheets, glaciers and snowpacks.<\/li>\n<li>Sea\u2011ice cover reflects about four\u2011fifths of incoming sunlight, acting as a planetary \u201ccooler.\u201d<\/li>\n<li>Experiences long polar night in winter and continuous daylight (midnight sun) in summer.<\/li>\n<li>Rapid warming and permafrost thaw are causing effects like \u201crust\u2011coloured\u201d rivers from released metals.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1.LVM3 M6 Mission GS Paper III-Science and technology Context :ISRO\u2019s upcoming LVM3 M6 launch on 24 December 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